Manchester City’s injury concerns have continued to grow during a challenging phase of the season, and attention has now turned to the fitness situations of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.
Both players have been sidelined for an extended period, creating additional pressure on Pep Guardiola as he attempts to maintain momentum across domestic and European competitions.
The two Croatian internationals are not only important figures at club level but are also central to their national team’s plans.
Their absence has been felt keenly by Manchester City, particularly at a time when the squad is being stretched by a congested fixture schedule and further injury setbacks elsewhere on the pitch.
Recent updates from within the Croatia national team camp have, however, offered a more hopeful outlook. While neither player is close to an immediate return, medical staff are optimistic that both can recover in time to feature later in the year, including the next FIFA World Cup.
Croatia medical team offer cautious optimism
Some reassurance has now come from the Croatian Football Federation, with insight provided by Tomislav Vlahović, Head of the federation’s Medical Department.
Speaking to Sportske Novosti, and quoted by The Croatian on X, Vlahović addressed the progress being made by both Gvardiol and Kovacic, offering a realistic but hopeful assessment of their situations.
On Gvardiol’s recovery, Vlahović said: “We hope that Joško will recover in time for the World Cup. We believe that this is realistic. You never know how things will develop during rehabilitation, but our hope is strong.”
The comments underline a careful balance between optimism and medical caution. While timelines can never be guaranteed, there is a belief that the defender’s rehabilitation is heading in the right direction.
Vlahović went on to explain the nature of the recovery process in more detail, adding:
“I think that within five months the bone should heal, but we are talking about him playing football by then, not just the bone healing.
“At the club, he has the best doctors and physiotherapists, and just as it is in our interest for him to return, it is in theirs as well. He’s a young guy, and there is potential for his bone to heal faster.”
These remarks highlight the collaborative approach between club and country. Manchester City’s medical facilities are widely regarded as among the best in the game, and Croatia are clearly confident that Gvardiol is receiving the highest standard of care.
His age is also seen as a positive factor, with younger players often responding more quickly to intensive rehabilitation programmes.
For Guardiola, the focus will remain on ensuring that any return is carefully managed. Manchester City have consistently prioritised long-term fitness over short-term gains, and there is little expectation that Gvardiol will be rushed back before he is fully ready.
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Attention has also turned to Kovacic, whose recovery has progressed steadily following heel surgery. Vlahović provided an encouraging update on the midfielder’s condition, saying:
“I would say we think he will be ready by the World Cup, and probably even earlier.
“It’s a complex injury and treatment, and things are monitored on a daily basis. The recovery is going well.”
The statement suggests that Kovacic could potentially return to action before Gvardiol, depending on how his rehabilitation continues.
From a Manchester City perspective, Kovacic’s return would provide a timely boost. His experience at the highest level and familiarity with Guardiola’s tactical demands make him an important squad player, particularly during periods of fixture congestion.
While neither player is expected to feature in the immediate future, the overall message from Croatia’s medical team is one of guarded confidence.
Both recoveries are progressing positively, and there is a shared belief between club and country that Gvardiol and Kovacic can return to full fitness within the expected timeframe.
