Mateo Kovacic - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

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

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

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