Veteran midfielder Luka Modric has been included in Croatia's squad for the upcoming World Cup, with expectations that he will recover from a fractured cheekbone in time for the tournament. The 40-year-old Inter Milan playmaker sustained the injury during a head collision in a match against Juventus at the end of April.

Modric's Recovery and Experience

Modric, who previously won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, underwent surgery following the injury but has been named in coach Zlatko Dalic's 26-man squad. "He's training with a [facial] mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him," Dalic commented. He expressed confidence in Modric's fitness, stating, "We'll see his condition, but I don't doubt him. He'll be in good form."

This World Cup marks Modric's fifth appearance on football's biggest stage, having played a crucial role in Croatia's journey to the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022. Alongside Modric, Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has also been selected for the squad despite having suffered a broken shin in January. Dalic mentioned that Gvardiol will have opportunities in warm-up matches to regain his form ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 11.

Squad Overview and Group Stage Outlook

In addition to Modric and Gvardiol, the squad features Mateo Kovacic from Manchester City, along with Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. Other notable players include Nikola Vlasic, formerly of Everton and West Ham, now with Torino, and Ivan Perisic, who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven. Croatia's first match in Group L will be against England on June 17 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, followed by games against Panama and Ghana.

Dalic emphasized the team's objective, stating, "The main goal is to get through the group. I'm optimistic as always, we have a good national team. We have quality, youth and experience." He also noted a strategic approach against England, indicating a more defensive setup, while expressing a different attacking strategy for the matches against Ghana and Panama.