After suffering a blow to the face in an aerial duel with Manuel Locatelli against Juventus last Sunday, Luka Modrić’s season with Milan is now over.
Luka Modrić has been one of the clear bright spots of Milan’s season. In his final years at Real Madrid he saw his role decrease significantly, and there was reason to be skeptical of any potential fairy tale when Modrić signed for the club he supported as a child last summer – but if anything he might have exceeded expectations.
At Milan, Modrić has not only shown that he remains an incredible player, but has also been surprisingly dependable for Milan throughout the season. Despite having turned 40 last September, he is the outfield player who has played the most minutes played for Milan this season.
In fact, Modrić has seemingly also given his all when he’s been on the pitch this season. That is, for better or worse – perhaps it is precisely what led to the injury that has now put an end to his season with Milan. In the 76th minute against Juventus, the 1.72 m tall midfielder did not shy away from leaping up to attack a loose ball in the air, as Milan had the opportunity to start an attacking transition. It led to a violent collision with Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli, and a subsequent injury to the cheekbone for the Croatian.
Modrić underwent surgery in Milan earlier this week, and La Gazzetta dello Sport are now among several sources to report that he will be out for the rest of Milan’s season. He should, however, be back for the World Cup with Croatia in the summer.
An opportunity for Jashari and Ricci
Every major injury for one player, is an opportunity for another. It’s a cynical way of looking at things, but it’s true. Once more, Modrić is the outfield player who has played the most minutes for Milan this season. As such, not much space has been left for other players with similar characteristics.
Summer signing Samuele Ricci has played just 13.0 90s in Serie A, and usually in a more advanced role at that. Similarly, fellow summer signing Ardon Jashari has amassed just 5.5 90s in Serie A, even after recovering from his injury last autumn. With this lack of impact from both Ricci and Jashari this season, neither player has an entirely certain future at Milan, and these last four games will be a significant opportunity for either of them to show that they’re worth holding onto ahead of next season.
To end the season, Milan will face Sassuolo away, Atalanta at home, Genoa away, and Cagliari at home. These games could be important for Milan even if you look beyond the league table.
