Mateo Kovacic - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

A heartbreaking loss that left Mateo Kovacic in tears

JULY 3 • FOX SPORTS

Takes three shots in loss Kovacic registered three shots (three on goal) in Thursday's 2-1 defeat against Portugal.

Impact Kovacic led Croatia in shots and hit the bar once, but could not find the back of the net as Croatia lost in a very controversial match. The Manchester City midfielder finished the World Cup with one assist, five shots and five tackles in four starts. That may have been his fourth and last World Cup as he will be 36 years-old in 2030.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Knocks in assist Kovacic assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win over Ghana.

Impact Kovacic helped set the tone for Croatia, assisting Petar Sucic's opener and playing a key role in the 2-1 win over Ghana. After beginning the tournament on the bench against England, he worked his way into the starting lineup and logged 182 minutes in the group stage. His distribution was exceptional, completing 148 accurate passes for a 96 percent success rate, while also contributing defensively with four tackles won and four recoveries. His blend of control and work rate makes him an important figure for Croatia heading into the knockout rounds.

JUNE 27 • ROTOWIRE

Helps keep clean sheet Tuesday Kovacic registered two tackles (one won) and one interception in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Panama.

Impact Kovacic joined the starting XI Tuesday, playing in a deep, defensive role in midfield. He won two duels, one tackle and intercepted one pass on the defensive end and did not go high enough up the pitch to contribute much on the attack. The Manchester City man was subbed off in the 72nd minute for Petar Sucic. It's unclear if he'll start again Saturday versus Ghana, a crucial match in order to finish second in the group.

JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE

Is Enzo Fernandez an Elliot Anderson transfer alternative for Man City? Links to Chelsea midfielder addressed as priorities for summer window are revealed

Manchester City are preparing for a transformative summer as the post-Pep Guardiola era begins to take shape at the Etihad Stadium. While sp...

MAY 31 • goal

Is Enzo Fernandez an Elliot Anderson transfer alternative for Man City? Links to Chelsea midfielder addressed as priorities for summer window are revealed

Foden and Kovačić having fun in with the warm-up 😮‍💨

MAY 16 • YOUTUBE

Earns late assist Kovacic assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Monday's 3-3 draw against Everton.

Impact Kovacic appeared off the bench Monday for only the third time since recovering from injury, coming on for 15 minutes of play. However, he had a major moment, with the midfielder finding Erling Haaland in the 83rd minute for a goal. This is only his first goal contribution of the season, although he has only made three appearances.

MAY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Group L might be closest thing to a 'group of death' at this year's World Cup

Featuring England, Croatia, Panama and Ghana, Group L represents one of the toughest in the opening round of the World Cup

APRIL 16 • Associated Press

Makes bench Saturday Kovacic (Achilles) remained an unused substitute during Saturday's clash against West Ham United and was spotted training in full Sunday ahead of Tuesday's second leg against Real...

Impact Kovacic has shaken off his Achilles injury after being available off the bench in Saturday's clash against West Ham United and being spotted training in full Sunday ahead of Tuesday's second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The midfielder is back in the rotation for the Citizens and should be in line to log minutes off the bench in the upcoming fixtures. He is expected to resume the same depth role he held prior to the setback.

MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE

Back in training Kovacic (Achilles) was back in training with the group this week and could be back in action later this month, according to CityXtra.

Impact Kovacic was spotted in training earlier this week and could be back in action later this month after missing the last four months due to an achilles injury. The midfielder was used as a substitute in the two matches prior to the injury and is expected to resume that role, at least until he regains full fitness, though his return could provide additional depth in midfield.

MARCH 5 • ROTOWIRE

Pep Guardiola quotes his 'idol' Johan Cruyff as he aims bizarre dig at his own injured Man City players

Pep Guardiola has taken a bizarre dig at his own Manchester City players while quoting his "idol", Johan Cruyff. The demanding Catalan coach...

JANUARY 26 • goal

Pep Guardiola quotes his 'idol' Johan Cruyff as he aims bizarre dig at his own injured Man City players

Croatia World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History

Here's what you need to know about Croatia's national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

JANUARY 2 • FOX SPORTS

Croatia World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History

Could return ahead of time Kovacic (heel) was expected to return in February from his injury, but based on coach Pep Guardiola's press conference comment he could come back well ahead of that timeline and li...

Impact Kovacic was expected to be sidelined until February with a heel injury that required surgery, but coach Pep Guardiola suggested in his press conference answer that he could return soon, just not for Tuesday's clash against Leverkusen in the Champions League. This opens the door for a return of the midfielder against Leeds United on Saturday or most likely at some point in December if he recovers ahead of schedule. That said, a potential comeback in that time frame will not affect the starting XI since he is holding a rotational role this season with the Citizens.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Set to undergo new surgery Kovacic is set to undergo heel surgery in the coming days and will be sidelined until February, according to Sportske Novosti.

Impact Kovacic suffered a setback on the same foot as his previous injury and will undergo surgery to treat a heel deformation. This is a blow for the Citizens since the Croatian is an important part of the rotation with his experience. Kovacic will aim to return fit for the second part of the season to help Manchester City reach their objectives.

NOVEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Set to miss time Kovacic (ankle) is set to miss time since he is still suffering from complications, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference, according to City Xtra. "He has a problem still...

Impact Kovacic is still dealing with complications from his ankle injury and is set to spend some time on the sidelines to recover. That said, the midfielder has seen only limited playing time when fully fit for the Citizens, so his absence won't affect the starting XI.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Haaland scores again but Gonzalez injured in Man City's win in Champions League

Another goal for Erling Haaland and another midfield injury for Pep Guardiola means some things never change for Manchester City

OCTOBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Plays first minutes Kovacic played his first minutes of the season in Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton but will see limited minutes moving forward, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference. "H...

Impact Kovacic is returning from a four-month absence that required surgery, which will force coach Pep Guardiola to manage him carefully and limit his minutes. The Croatian is expected to gradually rebuild his fitness and maintain a rotational role for Manchester City this season, as the coach is pleased with his contributions off the bench when called upon.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Building up fitness Kovacic featured with Croatia over the international break and is building his fitness levels, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "He started 50-60 minutes, step-by-step. He needs...

Impact Kovacic has been available off the bench in the club's past two games but still has yet to appear this season after early-season struggles with an Achilles injury. However, he did feature with Croatia over the international break and is raising his fitness levels, potentially seeing the field again soon. He will likely remain in a bench role in most matches moving forward, but will be an addition of depth if injuries occur.

OCTOBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Available off bench Kovacic (Achilles) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Burnley.

Impact Kovacic will be able to log minutes for the first time in the 2025/26 season. He's not expected to play a big role as the season progresses, though.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Could return Saturday Kovacic has a chance to return during Saturday's clash with Burnley, according to manager Pep Guardiola."It would help] a lot to have Kova back. It's a long injury, surgery, but he...

Impact Kovacic has an outside chance to be ready for Saturday's clash with Burnley. The midfielder has been working his way back from an Achilles injury throughout the season. He would be a depth option when fit once more, especially as he builds his match fitness during a busy part of the season.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Pictured in training Kovacic was pictured in training during Tuesday's session.

Impact Kovacic is continuing to ramp up his workload as he works back from an Achilles issue. He was pictured training on grass Tuesday, as he looks towards a return Saturday against Burnley. When fit Kovacic is likely to be a rotational option.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Close to return Kovacic (achilles) is close to returning from injury, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference, according to City Xtra.

Impact Kovacic is nearing the end of his recovery from the Achilles surgery he underwent in early June and could resume team training in the coming week. This is good news for the Citizens as the Croatian will add another option in midfield for coach Pep Guardiola, although he will likely hold a rotational role once fully fit.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Still far from return Kovacic is currently rehabilitating from an Achilles injury and remains far from making his return, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference. "Kova injured until September or...

Impact Kovacic underwent surgery on his Achilles in early June and is still in the rehabilitation process for that injury. The midfielder is expected to miss at least one more month before making his return to the pitch. That said, he was mainly a bench option last season, and with the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders over the summer, his absence will not impact the starting squad.

AUGUST 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Man City signs France playmaker Cherki to usher in start of post-De Bruyne era

Manchester City has kickstarted the post-Kevin De Bruyne era by signing maverick France playmaker Rayan Cherki from Lyon for 36 million euros in time to play in the Club World Cup

JUNE 10, 2025 • Associated Press

Man City midfielder Kovacic has Achilles surgery and is out of Club World Cup

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been ruled out of the Club World Cup after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury

JUNE 2, 2025 • Associated Press

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