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    SERIOUS JOŠKO GVARDIOL INJURY: DALIĆ REACHED OUT, CITY CONFIRMED SURGERY, AND JOŠKO SENT A MESSAGE

    tsg_news Posted on

    Croatia international Joško Gvardiol suffered one of the most serious injuries of his career in the Premier League derby between Manchester City and Chelsea (1–1). According to multiple reports, examinations confirmed a fracture of the tibia in his right leg, and surgery is planned for later this week. Only after the procedure will it be clearer how long he will be out.

    What happened on the pitch

    Sportske novosti describes the moment from the match: Gvardiol, in full sprint, “lost his step,” twisted his ankle, stayed down on the turf, and then—supported by teammates—limped off early in the second half. At that point, his camp stated that the “right ankle joint is the issue” and that more would be known after an MRI.

    City’s confirmation and early recovery expectations

    Index relayed Manchester City’s statement: the club confirmed a fracture of the right tibia, said Gvardiol would undergo surgery later in the week, and noted that doctors would use additional checks to determine the full extent of the injury and the expected recovery path.

    The same piece notes that a fracture typically means “several months” out, with recovery varying by severity and the need for surgery (a range of 3 to 6 months for healing is mentioned, with longer in more complex cases).

    Večernji list, meanwhile, writes that rehabilitation could take around four to five months—immediately raising the question of whether, and in what condition, Gvardiol could make the 2026 World Cup, which the article says begins on 11 June.

    Dalić: “I spoke with Joško… I hope both he and Mateo will be with us.”

    Head coach Zlatko Dalić contacted Gvardiol soon after the news and offered his support. In a statement, he said he spoke with Joško, wished him a successful operation, and emphasized how sorry the national team is for the bad luck, especially given that Mateo Kovačić was also mentioned at the same time. He added that Croatia is currently without two players “who would be missed even by the biggest clubs in the world,” and expressed hope that both would be ready for the World Cup.

    Gvardiol’s message: “This is a tough moment, but it will never define me.”

    Gvardiol later posted an emotional message, thanking fans for their support and highlighting his connection with both club and country. Sportske novosti report that he called it a difficult moment, but said it will not define him, thanked the “Cityzens,” and promised to return stronger—especially resonant was: “I know who I am and where I come from… I will rise again, better than ever!”

    A blow for both City and Croatia

    At City, the injury is felt even more because the schedule is packed and Gvardiol is a key piece in the defensive setup. Reports also mention that the club is already considering solutions, including seeking a replacement.

    For Croatia, the issue is twofold: Gvardiol is one of the most essential players in the back line, and his absence is being discussed in the context of the World Cup, underscoring his significance. The final word, however, will come only after surgery and the rehabilitation plan is set.

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