Modric makes surprising rapid recovery for Milan

Luka Modric is surprisingly back training with Milan and will be on the bench tomorrow against Genoa, wearing a protective mask after surgery on facial fractures.

The 40-year-old had been initially ruled out for the rest of the club season after a nasty clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

That left him with a complex multiple fracture of the left cheekbone.

He went under the knife on April 27 and it was assumed he’d be in for a race against time to be fully fit and ready for Croatia’s games at the World Cup in June.

Instead, Modric has rushed the recovery process, is already back training with his teammates today, and is set to join the squad on the bench in Sunday’s trip to Genoa.

“This is good news, Luka is at our disposal,” said coach Max Allegri in his press conference.

“He trained with the squad after two weeks, he tried out the mask, and he is available. He will come with us tomorrow. However, Samuele Ricci sprained his ankle, apart from the suspended players, the others are all fine.”

Modric will require a protective mask, but is eager to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

Despite the fact he will turn 41 in September, the former Real Madrid midfielder has been arguably the most consistent figure in the Milan side this season.

He has made 33 Serie A appearances, two in the Coppa Italia and one for the Supercoppa Italiana, contributing two goals and three assists.

Of the outfield players, only Strahinja Pavlovic (3,039 minutes) and Alexis Saelemaekers (2,987) managed more playing time this season at Milan than Modric (2,836).