Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has expressed confidence that Luka Modric will be fit and available for the FIFA World Cup this summer, following the AC Milan midfielder's successful surgery for a broken cheekbone.

Modric, 40, sustained the injury during a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in Sunday's Serie A fixture, which ended 0-0. AC Milan confirmed their captain had suffered a "complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone" before undergoing what the club described as "completely successful" surgery.

The San Siro club did not provide a specific timeline for Modric's return, but extended their wishes for "a speedy recovery ahead of the FIFA World Cup."

Dalic backs his captain

Speaking after the surgery, Dalic was unequivocal in his support for the veteran playmaker.

"I've been talking to Luka and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery. I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we'll provide full support. I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer."

The World Cup kicks off on 11 June, with Croatia opening their Group campaign against England on 17 June — a reunion with the side they famously defeated in the 2018 semi-final.

Serie A absence and the race for Europe

Modric is expected to sit out the remainder of the Serie A season. AC Milan are currently third in the standings on 67 points, with four matches remaining as they chase a UEFA Champions League berth. Juventus occupy fourth place on 64 points, while Como and Roma are both level on 61 points in the battle to secure European football.