Pep Guardiola has shed more light on how one of the most experienced Manchester City players suffered and played a few minutes in pain as a result of injury.
The City boss revealed the condition of Mateo Kovacic, confirming that the Croatian has undergone yet another surgical procedure in what has become a difficult, injury-ridden spell at the Etihad.
The 31-year-old, who has barely featured this season, faces another extended period on the sidelines after struggling with complications around his ankle.
City had hoped that Kovacic’s initial operation during the summer would resolve the problem, but Guardiola explained that an unexpected issue forced medical staff to act again.
His latest setback means he is now expected to be unavailable for several months as he starts yet another recovery programme.
Guardiola, speaking calmly but with clear concern, confirmed the development when questioned by reporters.
“Yeah, he had another one,” he said, acknowledging that Kovacic had returned to the operating table far sooner than anyone at the club would have wished.
The Spaniard went on to explain the severity of the Croatian’s discomfort: “He had a calcification again in his feet, ankle, and it was so disturbing for him.”
The midfielder, who joined City from Chelsea, has endured a frustrating period since completing an impressive first campaign under Guardiola.
Having played just 39 minutes so far this season, his involvement has been almost symbolic—an appearance defined not by his influence on the pitch but by the pain he was playing through.
His solitary outing came after an achilles problem disrupted his pre-season preparations, forcing him into surgery in the off-season. What was meant to be a straightforward recovery has now turned into a prolonged ordeal.
Speaking further on the condition of Mateo Kovacic, Guardiola did not hide his admiration for the player’s resilience, describing a footballer who was determined to give everything despite an obvious physical battle.
City’s manager elaborated: “He made an incredible effort, it was unbelievable. With the pain he played a few minutes before the surgery and in the training sessions. We have seen how he suffered, but he wanted to continue at the end.”
According to Guardiola, the medical team eventually advised that a second operation was the only realistic option, as the midfielder could no longer push through the pain without risking more severe long-term damage.
“We arrived at the moment where he could not continue and the best thing is to clean it and come back,” he added.
The decision marks another unfortunate chapter in Kovacic’s careet at the club. City had fielded significant interest from major European sides over the summer, particularly from clubs hoping to capitalise on his age and vast Champions League experience.
However, Guardiola reportedly resisted the idea of letting the midfielder leave, believing his intelligence and composure remained vital qualities within the squad.
Kovacic ended last season with 42 appearances across all competitions—a tally that highlighted both his reliability and versatility.
Despite losing Kovacic again, Guardiola insisted the mood within the squad remains stable.
City, who are still competing on multiple fronts, have had far fewer fitness issues compared to last season.
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Availability, he stressed, has not been a major concern in recent weeks, and he expects to cope even with the Croatian’s prolonged absence.
“If you take more time it’s fine,” Guardiola said of the midfielder’s recovery timeline, adding a note of realism about playing at a high level in one’s thirties.
“But to play football you have to, at that age, always you have niggles, have pain, it’s normal, but not the limitation that he had before that surgery and hopefully he can recover well.”
Guardiola’s emphasis on condition of Mateo Kovacic was clear: the objective is long-term recovery, not rushing him back into action.
City’s schedule will intensify in the coming months, but the manager appeared confident that the squad—if it stays healthy—has more than enough quality.
