Modric in line for surprise Milan return in final game of 2025-26 season

Reports in Italy indicate that Luka Modric is in line to make a surprise return to the Milan starting line-up for their final Serie A match of the season on Sunday, just a few weeks after suffering a nasty cheekbone fracture.

It had been expected that the 2026-27 season would be over for the former Ballon d’Or winner after he suffered a cheekbone fracture from a collision with Manuel Locatelli during a 0-0 Serie A draw between Milan and Juventus at the end of April.

The veteran midfielder had facial surgery immediately after the Juventus match, on March 27.

However, the 40-year-old is recovering far quicker than originally expected, and was named in the matchday squad for Milan’s 2-1 win away against Genoa over the weekend. He remained an unused substitute on Sunday.

According to the latest updates from Sky Sport Italia, Modric is now in line to return to the starting line-up in time for Milan’s final Serie A match of the season, which comes at home against Cagliari at 19.45 BST this Sunday evening. He will have to wear a protective mask upon his return to action.

Modric had featured in all but one of Milan’s Serie A matches in 2025-26 prior to suffering the fractuure to his cheekbone.