Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury, the club confirmed on Monday.
The 31-year-old Croatian, who featured in 42 matches and netted seven goals during the recently concluded season, is set to spend the summer recovering.
“Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery,” read a statement from Manchester City.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, returned to action on May 20 after an eight-month absence due to a knee injury. However, manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the need to manage his workload cautiously.
City experienced a disappointing 2024/25 season, finishing third in the Premier League and ending an eight-year streak without a trophy.
The reigning champions of the Club World Cup will head to the United States for the newly expanded 32-team tournament, having won the title in Saudi Arabia two years ago. The competition kicks off on June 14, with City set to open their campaign against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on June 18.
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