Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has offered supporters a small but welcome glimpse into his rehabilitation, posting a short update on his social media platforms as he continues his recovery from a long-term ankle and foot problem.
The Croatian has endured a challenging season interrupted by persistent pain and setbacks, ultimately requiring surgery to address an issue that had lingered for months.
His spell on the sidelines has come at a difficult time for Pep Guardiola, whose midfield options have been stretched during a demanding winter calendar marked by fixture congestion, injuries and tactical reshuffling.
City have had to rely more heavily on younger players and fresh combinations in the centre of the pitch, with Kovacic’s experience and composure noticeably absent during some of the club’s tightest fixtures.
Guardiola has navigated this period with the depth of his squad, but Mateo Kovacic’s absence has still been felt, especially during matches requiring control and ball retention in the middle third.
Since undergoing his most recent procedure, Kovacic has been placed on a carefully structured rehabilitation plan drawn up by City’s medical department.
Much of his time has been divided between specialist treatment and remote conditioning sessions, aimed at rebuilding strength and stability around the affected area.
Despite impact of Mateo Kovacic’s absence, the club have remained understandably guarded regarding specific recovery dates. Internal expectations have pointed toward a lengthy lay-off, with progress monitored week by week.
The midfielder’s situation has also drawn interest beyond Manchester.
Croatia’s national-team staff have been keeping a close eye on developments, mindful of next year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations and Kovacic’s importance to their midfield balance.
His availability for international duty will hinge entirely on the success and sustainability of his rehabilitation.
This week, however, brought a small step forward. Kovacic shared a new photograph from the City Football Academy, where he has now returned to continue the next stage of his recovery under the direct supervision of club experts.
In the image, he appears relaxed and smiling, a sign that the process is moving positively.
Alongside the photo, he posted a short caption — “Happy to be back at club camp” — a seven-word message that quickly circulated among City supporters eager for encouraging news.
Kovacic’s presence back at the training complex does not signal an imminent comeback, but it does represent an important milestone in a recovery that has required patience.
Being back on site allows the club’s staff to tailor his workload more precisely, gradually shifting from pure rehabilitation to light sport-specific activities when appropriate.
Kovacic’s reappearance at the facility has been welcomed by several players — none more so than his fellow Croatian international, Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol voices support as teammate continues long lay-off
Gvardiol, speaking at a press conference this week, offered a candid assessment of Mateo Kovacic’s absence and his mindset and likely recovery timeline.
His words reflected both admiration for his compatriot’s mental strength and a realistic acceptance of the challenges ahead.
“He’s OK, I think he’s coming back to the training ground today [Monday], I can’t wait to see him!” Gvardiol said, adding that Kovacic had handled the situation with maturity.
He continued: “Mentally he’s strong, he accepted it [the injury] really good. Of course we’re going to miss him, I guess maybe three or four months [out], I don’t know – it’s difficult to tell.”
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While Gvardiol’s estimate remains speculative — and City are unlikely to commit to any public timeline — it aligns broadly with expectations surrounding long-term foot and ankle recoveries, which often require sustained rest followed by careful reintroduction to training.
The defender concluded with a sentiment shared by many City supporters:
“But I guess the most important thing is he recovers well, and then prepares for the end of the season and next season as well.”
For now, City will continue to manage his workload closely while maintaining balanced expectations.
Kovacic’s message this week, though brief, offered a welcome sign that his rehabilitation is progressing steadily and that his spirits remain high.