Mateo Kovacic - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Remains questionable for Villa clash Kovacic (undisclosed) remains questionable for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Aston Villa after missing Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens, with his av...

Impact Kovacic remains uncertain for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa after experiencing discomfort during last weekend's encounter against Ipswich. The midfielder subsequently missed Monday's final training session and was left out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens, raising concerns about his short-term availability. Coach Maresca has yet to confirm whether the Croatian has fully recovered, with Friday's training session expected to provide a clearer indication of his readiness. Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi started in central midfield against AEK Athens and could continue to see additional playing time if Kovacic remains unavailable. His participation in Friday's session will be crucial in determining whether he can return to the matchday squad Saturday.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Out Tuesday Kovacic (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Tuesday's UCL match against AEK Athens.

Impact Kovacic didn't participate in City's final training session Monday, so it's not a huge surprise that he isn't in the squad for this game -- especially after he left the weekend match against Ipswich with some discomfort. With Kovacic out, Enzo Maresca has decided to start Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi in central midfield. Kovacic will aim to recover in time to be an option for Saturday's league clash against Aston Villa.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Uncertain after missing training Kovacic (knock) missed Monday's final training session after being forced off during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, leaving his availability for Tuesday's Champions Leag...

Impact Kovacic sustained the knock during his first start of the season against Ipswich, providing an assist for Haaland's opening goal before being substituted around the 50th minute. Although initial assessments suggested the injury was not serious, the Croatian midfielder's absence from Monday's training session raises doubts about his involvement against AEK Athens. Manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that most of the players who picked up knocks against Ipswich are recovering well, but Kovacic could still be rested as Manchester City manage his workload following his limited involvement this season.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Likely against AEK Athens Kovacic (knock) should be available for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens after sustaining a knock during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, according to c...

Impact Kovacic appears to have avoided a significant injury after being forced off during the second half of Saturday's victory over Ipswich Town. The midfielder was making his first start of the season before picking up a knock, although coach Enzo Maresca subsequently confirmed that the Croatian had reported feeling fine after the match. The coach's latest comments suggest that most of Manchester City's squad should be available for Tuesday's European fixture, with Antoine Semenyo (knee) the only player facing a significant absence. Kovacic should therefore remain an option against AEK Athens, although his limited involvement this season and the possibility of squad rotation could affect his chances of retaining a starting role. Given his recent lack of regular minutes, the coaching staff could also opt to manage his workload carefully even if he is fully cleared to feature.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Should be fine moving forward Kovacic (knock) is expected to be fine after leaving Saturday's' 2-1 win over Ipswich in the second half with a knock, manager Enzo Maresca said during the post-game press conferen...

Impact Based on Maresca's assessment, it seems Kovacic should be available moving forward. The start against Ipswich was his first of the season, and between his reduced role and the knock he sustained, it's unclear whether he'd be an option to start against AEK Athens on Tuesday in the UCL league phase.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Forced off with knock Saturday Kovacic was forced off with a knock during Saturday's Premier League match against Ipswich Town and was replaced by Enzo Fernandez, according to the club.

Impact Kovacic's afternoon ended early when a knock forced him off and Fernandez replaced him in midfield. He had been recalled to the starting lineup as part of Maresca's rotation after the midweek loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and his assessment over the coming days will determine whether he is available for City's next match.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Man City scandal a 'big subject' in England squad but players 'ready' for Croatia game, Tuchel says

England coach Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that Manchester City’s financial scandal has become a “big topic” of conversation among his squad during the long international break

OCTOBER 2 • Associated Press

Settling in backup role Kovacic has been an unused substitute in each of Manchester City's last three EPL matches.

Impact The veteran midfielder has come off the bench three times in the EPL and the UCL, but he hasn't played minutes in the league since Aug. 28, when he logged 15 minutes in a 1-0 win over Coventry City. Kovacic should remain a depth option in midfield until injuries or suspensions create an opportunity to earn more playing time.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Makes late appearance Kovacic recorded no stats in Friday's 4-1 win versus Crystal Palace.

Impact Kovacic came onto the field with just a few minutes left in Friday's match, featuring for 15 minutes. He would only see a few touches, amounting to 27 passes completed. He has now appeared off the bench in both games to start the season, seemingly set to remain a rotational option.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Mateo Kovačić Supports England's Elliot Anderson Joining Manchester City

Mateo Kovacic praises Manchester City’s record summer signing Elliot Anderson after high-profile move to Etihad Stadium.

AUGUST 6 • FOX SPORTS

Mateo Kovačić Supports England's Elliot Anderson Joining Manchester City

Plays half vs. Inter Milan Kovacic played the first half in Manchester City's preseason friendly against Inter Milan after returning from the World Cup with Croatia, the club announced.

Impact Kovacic contributed an assist across four appearances during the tournament. He is entering the final year of his City contract and wants clarity on his future soon, with transfer speculation surrounding a possible departure this summer given that even as a squad player he wouldn't get regular minutes at the club right now. Kovacic is expected to serve as a backup option in midfield if he remains at City for the coming season.

AUGUST 3 • ROTOWIRE

Selling Rodri to Real Madrid would leave Enzo Maresca with a massive midfield problem at Man City

Manchester City are already entering the unknown as they adjust to life after Pep Guardiola, but that already-gruelling transition could be...

JULY 31 • goal

Selling Rodri to Real Madrid would leave Enzo Maresca with a massive midfield problem at Man City

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

MATEO KOVACIC NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG