Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovačić will undergo another surgery as he faces another frustrating spell on the sidelines after being ruled out for several months due to a recurring heel problem.
The Croatian international, who missed City’s 3–1 victory over AFC Bournemouth last weekend, is expected to undergo a second surgery that will keep him out until at least February.
Pep Guardiola confirmed after the weekend win that Kovačić would be “out for a while,” leaving City fans concerned about the midfielder’s long-term fitness.
The 30-year-old had only recently returned to action after spending over three months recovering from an operation in June.
Kovačić’s initial procedure — described by Sportske Novosti as an “arthroscopic surgery” — was said to have gone “smoothly,” resolving the issue with his heel bone that had caused persistent discomfort.
“The procedure solved Kovačić’s problem with his painful heel bone, removing the deformity that was causing him great pain,” the Croatian outlet reported.
However, any hopes of a sustained comeback were dashed when the midfielder began to feel pain again in the same area.
According to a report by Sportske Novosti translated by Sport Witness, Mateo Kovačić will undergo another surgery after experiencing “a new pain in the heel area” in training. Concerned by the symptoms, he travelled to London last week for further medical evaluation, including an MRI scan.
During his visit, he also consulted Dr. James Caldar — the specialist who performed his first operation in June.
The test results revealed “calcification” in the heel, a condition in which hardened calcium deposits form in the tissue, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Despite City’s medical staff attempting conservative treatment methods, the problem persisted, leaving surgery as the only viable solution.
The forthcoming procedure, according to Sportske Novosti, will be “lighter in structure than the one he had in June.” The surgery is expected to be performed by a London-based specialist before the end of this week.
Although the operation itself may be less complex, the rehabilitation process will still take several months.
The report suggests that Kovačić’s recovery will last around four months, effectively ruling him out until late February or early March.
This timeline means he will miss a significant portion of City’s campaign, including the busy winter fixture list and the early stages of the Champions League knockout rounds.
For Guardiola, it’s another injury blow in a season already marked by fitness concerns. The City boss has had to manage without several key players at different stages, and Kovačić’s absence will further test the team’s midfield depth.
Since joining from Chelsea in 2023, the Croatian has provided experience and composure in City’s engine room, but persistent injuries have limited his impact.
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Kovačić had made only two appearances this season before the latest setback, both of which showed glimpses of his technical quality and calm presence in midfield.
His absence will likely open the door for others — such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rico Lewis, or even Nico Gonzalez in a deeper role — to step up in City’s rotating midfield.
Kovačić’s determination to return to full fitness had been clear throughout the summer, but the recurrence of the heel problem highlights how delicate such injuries can be. The issue of calcification is particularly tricky for athletes, often requiring extended rest to prevent aggravation or long-term damage.
While Manchester City’s medical team will oversee his rehabilitation closely, the midfielder’s focus will now shift entirely to ensuring a full recovery in time for the latter part of the season.
Given the intensity of City’s schedule and their ambitions on multiple fronts, a fit-again Kovačić could still play a vital role in their run-in, particularly in Europe.