Kovacic to miss Club World Cup after Achilles surgery

Mateo Kovacic will miss the Club World Cup after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury.

The Manchester City midfielder played 42 times across all competitions this season, but was absent from his side’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.

Kovacic, who recorded a career-high seven goals for the campaign, will now sit out of City’s Club World Cup campaign, which begins against Moroccan side Wydad on 18 June.

The Croatia international is also set to miss his nation’s World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar on 6 June, and Czechia three days later.

Injury update: Mateo Kovacic

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 2, 2025

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

Pep Guardiola’s side will also play Juventus and Al-Ain in Group G at the Club World Cup, where they are the reigning champions after lifting the trophy in 2023.