Manchester City star suffers injury setback, out till 2026

Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic is expected to be unavailable until at least February after undergoing a second surgical procedure.

This latest setback comes after Kovačić had only just returned to the squad, managing a mere 37 minutes of play this season.

His absence is a significant blow for manager Pep Guardiola, who had relied on the midfielder to step up following Rodri's major ACL injury during the 2024-25 campaign.

Guardiola had initially been cautious about Kovačić's return from his summer surgery, but confirmed the former Chelsea player experienced renewed pain, necessitating another spell on the sidelines.

"He will be out for a while," Guardiola stated. "He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification still there. We’ll wait on him for the last part of the season."

Reports indicate that the 31-year-old required further surgery to correct the lingering problem, potentially keeping him out until February or even March. In his absence, Nico González has impressed for City, providing Guardiola with a crucial option alongside Tijjani Reijnders.

According to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, Kovačić underwent the procedure last Friday and is currently in a protective boot. The surgery was reportedly successful, with his stitches scheduled for removal next week.

While his contribution to City's current season may be limited, there is optimism that Kovačić will be fully fit for the 2026 World Cup.