The news of the day is undoubtedly the unexpected recovery of Luka Modrić. The Croatian midfielder, who against Juventus suffered a complex, multi-fragmented fracture of the left cheekbone, which required surgical intervention, underwent the operation on 27 April, just under three weeks ago. The former Real Madrid player, who is approaching 41 in September, had been told by the medical staff that it would be very difficult for him to return to play for Milan in this final stretch of the season, whereas there would be no particular issues for the World Cup with Croatia.
The Rossoneri medical staff has, quite rightly, always been very cautious and prudent: the aim was for the player to be safe and not take any unnecessary or dangerous risks. MilanNews.it reports that this morning there was a “change of direction”. In recent days Modrić had undergone a medical check that gave the green light for the use of a protective mask and a return to group training starting next week. It had not been possible to manufacture it earlier because the Croatian’s face was still very swollen and it was mechanically impossible to wear the protection.
This morning, however, Luka put it on and immediately felt safe, comfortable, and fully at ease: sensations that were then confirmed by the work he did on the training pitch. A further discussion then took place with the medical staff, who carefully listened to Modrić’s observations and verified that everything was in order. If the protection is clearly adequate, what changes between today and next week? Evidently nothing, given that the Milan medical team and those who operated on the Croatian agreed that the conditions for his return were all in place. The ex Real Madrid player had hoped, almost irrationally, already after the operation: now the protective mask has truly convinced everyone, and Luka will be available for tomorrow’s Genoa-Milan match.
