Manchester City Midfielder Kovacic Out Three Months After Achilles Surgery

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic has undergone Achilles surgery and is expected to be sidelined for around three months, ruling him out of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The 31-year-old had been struggling with the injury, which caused him to miss the FA Cup final and Croatia's World Cup qualifiers. Kovacic played 42 times last season, scoring seven goals and three assists, and was a key figure during the campaign, but now faces a lengthy rehabilitation period over the summer. His absence leaves a gap in City's midfield, especially with Kevin De Bruyne set to leave and Kalvin Phillips also injured, though Rodri's return from injury offers some reinforcement. Manchester City will begin their Club World Cup group stage against Wydad AC on June 18, followed by matches against Al Ain and Juventus. The club and coaching staff wish Kovacic a speedy recovery as he focuses on returning, potentially by September for the new Premier League season.