Kovačić to Miss FIFA Club World Cup After Achilles Surgery

Kovačić Ruled Out of FIFA Club World Cup as Manchester City Begin Group Campaign Without Midfield Star. City’s campaign starts June 18 against Wydad Casablanca; Rodri returns from injury

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City have suffered a blow ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 debut, with midfielder Mateo Kovačić ruled out of the tournament after undergoing Achilles surgery, the club confirmed on Monday.

“Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation, and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery,” read a statement from the Premier League champions.

Kovačić’s absence means he’ll also miss Croatia’s international fixtures against Gibraltar and the Czech Republic during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, further highlighting the seriousness of the injury.

City regroup as Rodri returns

Despite the setback, City manager Pep Guardiola will be boosted by the return of Ballon d’Or nominee Rodri, who is now fully fit and expected to anchor the midfield during the global tournament.

City are drawn in Group B of the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup, alongside Juventus, UAE’s Al Ain, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca. Their first match is scheduled for June 18.

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The tournament — hosted across 11 cities in the United States — kicks off on June 14, and culminates with the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Kovačić injury leaves City with midfield reshuffle

Kovačić, who joined from Chelsea in 2023, has played a key rotational role in Guardiola’s midfield this season. His absence could create opportunities for the likes of Matheus Nunes or Rico Lewis, depending on Guardiola’s tactical approach.

City fans will take some comfort in the return of Rodri, who missed a portion of the domestic campaign but is now ready to contribute to the Club World Cup challenge — one of the few trophies City have yet to win in their decorated recent era.