MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City has announced that midfielder Mateo Kovacic will be sidelined for the upcoming Club World Cup after undergoing surgery for an Achilles injury. The club confirmed this development on Monday, indicating that Kovacic will be spending the summer focusing on his recovery.
“Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation,” Manchester City described in their statement, expressing wishes for a swift recovery for the player.
As City gears up for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14, they find themselves grouped with Juventus, Al Ain, and Wydad Casablanca. Their first match is scheduled for June 18. Unfortunately for the Croatian international, this injury also sidelines Kovacic for Croatia’s World Cup qualifying matches against Gibraltar and the Czech Republic, set to unfold in the coming days.
In light of Kovacic’s absence, City will have Ballon d’Or winner Rodri available in the midfield, as he has returned to fitness. This gives manager Pep Guardiola additional options as City embarks on their journey in the prestigious Club World Cup.