Mateo Kovacic - Page 5 - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Croatia should return to World Cup contention, even without Luka Modrić

With a strong young core to build upon, Croatia can start to plan for the next steps without iconic midfielder Luka Modrić.

DECEMBER 13, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Croatia should return to World Cup contention, even without Luka Modrić

Wins three tackles against Brazil Kovacic won three-of-four tackles during Friday's win over Brazil after penalties.

Impact Kovacic has made seven tackles over two knockout rounds, winning six and conceding a yellow card. With Ivan Perisic still in exceptional form, Kovacic hasn't been asked to make the same attacking contributions as Luka Modric in midfield.

DECEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Wins three tackles in loss Kovacic won three-of-three tackles and conceded a yellow card during 99 minutes of Monday's win over Japan after penalties.

Impact Kovacic has featured heavily in a midfield trio with Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic during a strong run in the World Cup. With 11 tackles made and five chances created, much of the work of Kovacic has been on the defensive end.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Croatia-Brazil quarterfinals

Here's how to bet the Croatia-Brazil match, from the moneyline, draw, Over/Under total odds and expert pick from Doug McIntyre.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Croatia-Brazil quarterfinals

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Japan vs. Croatia

Here's how to bet the Japan-Croatia match, from the moneyline, draw, and Over/Under total odds

DECEMBER 5, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Japan vs. Croatia

Takes shot in draw Kovacic took a shot and created a chance in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Belgium. He also made a clearance and an interception in the match.

Impact Kovacic started in all three of Croatia's group stage matches at this World Cup, with his standout performance coming in the 4-1 win over Canada.

DECEMBER 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

World Cup 2022 Group F Team Guides: Croatia

Luka Modrić led Croatia to the World Cup in 2018. How far will they go this year?

NOVEMBER 20, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

World Cup 2022 Group F Team Guides: Croatia

Features in cup match Kovacic played for the full 90 during Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the League Cup.

Impact Kovacic was reportedly dealing with a knee injury but came off the bench Sunday in the loss to Arsenal and looks to be in good shape ahead of the World Cup. Pending his role in Saturday's match at Newcastle, Kovacic is likely to be a starter for Croatia in Qatar if fully fit.

NOVEMBER 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Fighting through knee issue Kovacic continues to battle through a knee issue, according to manager Graham Potter. "He's just had an ongoing knee issue that's a little bit of discomfort, but it hasn't stopped...

Impact Kovacic went 12 minutes over the weekend and didn't play in the final match of group stages. He's unlikely to start Wednesday's Cup match, but with a few more days of training, it wouldn't be surprising to see him back in the starting XI for Saturday's trip to Newcastle.

NOVEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Available versus Arsenal Kovacic (calf) is a bench option for Sunday's game against Arsenal.

Impact Kovacic has quickly shaken off a calf injury that sidelined him midweek, but he will not get the start in this one, differently from his previous two appearances. Jorginho and Mason Mount are getting the nod in the midfield.

NOVEMBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Back in training Kovacic (calf) has resumed training in the lead-up to Sunday's matchup with Arsenal and is expected to be available. Manager Graham Potter told reporters, "Kovacic trained today so...

Impact Kovacic is poised to return following a one-game stint on the sidelines due to his calf problem. In his last five contests (three starts), the midfielder generated one goal on six shots (one on target), one cross (accurate) and seven tackles (four won).

NOVEMBER 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Has calf issues Kovacic will be a game-time decision due to a calf problem for Wednesday's UCL match against Dinamo Zagreb, according to manager Graham Potter. "Kovacic is precautionary with his c...

Impact Kovacic was able to play the full 90 despite earlier concerns in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Brighton but evidently the issue continues to flare up. Were he to miss out on the starting lineup, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could start for a fifth time in the last seven games after only coming off the bench during the Oct. 25 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

No injury concerns Kovacic calf injury is of no concern and should be available against Brighton on Saturday. Manager Graham Potter told reporters, "Mateo has no problem with his calf, it was more fa...

Impact It's certainly good news for the club that Kovacic will be an option after scoring his first goal of the season against RB Salzburg on Tuesday. With the midfielder seemingly fully fit, he should be in the mix to maintain his place in the starting XI.

OCTOBER 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with sore calf Kovacic (calf) came off the pitch in the 68th minute of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Salzburg and was dealing with calf tightness, manager Graham Potter told reporters.

Impact Kovacic scored during his 68 minutes off the pitch but came off gingerly feeling his leg. The midfielder is merely dealing with a tight calf according to Potter, though that could still see him back on the bench for Saturday's trip to Brighton. Kovacic has been dealing with some minor issues over the past month, and has generally been playing 50-60 minutes per match, going the full 90 just twice out of eight appearances in October.

OCTOBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Scores with lone shot Kovacic scored a goal with his lone shot while creating a chance during Tuesday's 2-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

Impact Kovacic found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, opening the scoring in the match. The goal was the first in the Champions League for the midfielder as it's a rare occurrence when Kovacic scores.

OCTOBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Takes three shots against Brentford Kovacic subbed into Wednesday's match against Brentford in the 15th minute, and he took three shots, created four chances and won one of three tackles in the 0-0 draw.

Impact Kovacic replaced Conor Gallager, who had fallen ill, early on in Wednesday's game and he was a live wire going forward even if he couldn't break through for a winning goal. He has started in seven of Chelsea's last nine games in the Premier League and UCL since the start of September.

OCTOBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist in win Kovacic subbed into Saturday's match against Wolverhampton in the 66th minute and he assisted a goal in the 3-0 victory.

Impact Kovacic set up Armando Broja's late goal in Saturday's comfortable win over Wolves, his first assist of the season. Kovacic had started in five consecutive games for Chelsea across the Premier League and Champions League prior to this one, so he is likely to return to the XI in midfield before long.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pulisic scores as Chelsea beats Wolves 3-0 in EPL

Christian Pulisic made the most of a rare start by scoring in a 3-0 win for Chelsea over Wolverhampton to cap a good week for new manager Graham Potter

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • Associated Press

Kante ruled out for at least a month but Kovacic back in training Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has ruled out N’Golo Kante for at least four more weeks. Kante, 31, missed Chelsea’s 3-0 loss at Leeds Unit...

AUGUST 26, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Trains Tuesday Kovacic (knee) trained during Tuesday's session ahead of Saturday's match against Leicester City, according to Adam Newsom of Football London.

Impact Kovacic still has work to do if he's to play against the Foxes this weekend but this is still a positive sign after a knee injury ruled him out for the first two matches of the season. As he's been dealing with a stress injury and waiting for the swelling to subside, there shouldn't be any major structural problems that limit him for much longer. With N'Golo Kante (hamstring) now out, getting Kovacic back could be impactful after he recorded five assists and two goals in just 25 EPL appearances (16 starts) last season.

AUGUST 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Mendy's error prompts Chelsea collapse in 3-0 loss at Leeds

A bad error by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy prompted a collapse by Chelsea in a 3-0 loss at Leeds featuring a first Premier League goal by American winger Brenden Aaronson

AUGUST 21, 2022 • Associated Press

Out with knee problem Kovacic won't be in the squad to face Spurs on Sunday due to a knee issue. Manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters, "It is the same for Kovacic, who is injured unfortunately with his...

Impact Based on the manager's comments, Kovacic could be sidelined longer than just Sunday's clash, especially if the midfielder had to take a step back in his recovery. Kovacic made 16 starts in his 25 appearances last year in which he garnered two goals on 22 shots (six on target), five assists and 51 tackles.

AUGUST 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rested in finale Kovacic wasn't used in Chelsea's final league match because of a swollen ankle.

Impact Kovacic played through the ankle injury in the FA Cup final, but there was no reason for him to push through it in the league finale. Due to Chelsea's deep midfield, he struggled for consistent starts this season, but he was still plenty important and often started in the biggest games. The 28-year-old also hit some career highs with two goals and five assists from 22 shots and 27 chances created in 25 league appearances (16 starts).

MAY 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Continues to deal with ankle issue Kovacic played through an ankle injury in the FA Cup final but is unlikely to feature the rest of the way, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. "Kova had a big swollen ankle after t...

Impact Kovacic fought through an ankle injury for the Cup final, but there's no reason for him to play through it in the final two league matches. Assuming he doesn't continue to play on a swollen ankle, Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are expected to start in the midfield the rest of the way.

MAY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Makes it 66 minutes Saturday Kovacic (ankle) started and went 66 minutes in Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool.

Impact Kovacic battled through a swollen ankle to put in a decent performance in the midfield Saturday, though it didn't result in a team win. With little to play for in league play, it's a wonder if he'll be rested the final two matches, depending on the severity of his ankle issue.

MAY 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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