Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Mateo Kovacic has undergone surgery on an Achilles injury and will not be part of the squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The 31-year-old Croatian international featured in 42 matches across all competitions for City during the recently concluded season, finding the net seven times.
“Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery,” read a statement released by the club on Monday.
City are also easing fellow midfielder Rodri back into action following his lengthy absence.
The Spanish international, who claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2024, returned to the pitch on May 20 after spending eight months sidelined due to a knee injury.
Manager Pep Guardiola has expressed caution regarding Rodri’s fitness, noting that his minutes will be carefully monitored going forward.
After a lacklustre 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish third in the Premier League and miss out on silverware for the first time in eight seasons, City will look to bounce back at the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
As reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in Saudi Arabia two years ago, City will kick off their title defence in Philadelphia on June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. The tournament begins on June 14.
