Mateo Kovacic - latest news, breaking stories and comment
Latest London news, business, sport, showbiz and entertainment from the London Evening Standard.
www.standard.co.ukHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting up to May 2026.
- Key update: Mateo Kovačić has been dealing with injury setbacks at Manchester City, with reports over the past year indicating surgeries and extended absences. The most recent high-profile note involved heel-related issues and Achilles recovery timelines, which have intermittently kept him out of first-team action and delayed his contributions for City.[1]
- Return timelines: After surgeries in 2025, timelines have varied for his return, with coaches signaling cautious progression toward match fitness, aiming for rotation availability rather than immediate starting roles upon return.[1]
- club context: As a veteran midfielder in a deep Manchester City squad, Kovačić’s role has tended to be rotational, providing experience and depth in midfield when fit. Injuries have impacted his ability to sustain consistent minutes, and club communications have framed his recovery within broader squad plans.[2][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the very latest articles from specific outlets (e.g., FOX Sports, TeamTalk, or major European outlets) and summarize any new developments, including exact injury timelines, expected return dates, and potential impact on Manchester City’s midfield plans. I can also provide a brief chart showing reported injury timelines over the past 12–24 months if you want a visual.