Croatia midfielder Luka Modrić will undergo surgery for a fractured left cheekbone. The injury occurred during a match for his Serie A club, AC Milan, in a clash of heads.
Modrić, who is preparing for his fifth World Cup, left the field with ten minutes remaining in the game. Despite initial pain, he remained on the bench until the end before an examination revealed the need for an operation.
The injury casts doubt on his participation in AC Milan's remaining season games. A protective mask may be required if he recovers in time for the World Cup, which begins on June 11.