Kovacic to Miss Club World Cup After Achilles Surgery

Manchester City have officially announced that midfielder Mateo Kovacic will not be available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, following a successful operation on an Achilles tendon issue.

The Croatian international is now set to undergo a summer-long rehabilitation process as he recovers from the injury. His absence is a blow for Pep Guardiola’s squad, who will be without his experience and composure in midfield as they begin their campaign against Wydad Casablanca on June 18 in Philadelphia.

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In a statement released by the club, City said: “Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.”

Kovacic, who joined City from Chelsea last summer, played a rotational role throughout the 2024-25 season, often stepping in during key matches due to injuries in midfield. His absence increases the urgency for reinforcements, with City actively pursuing deals for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

The Club World Cup remains a top priority for Manchester City this summer, and while Kovacic’s setback is unfortunate, the club hopes to have a fully fit squad for the Premier League and Champions League campaigns that follow.