Mateo Kovacic
MCICroatia
Right
May 6, 1994
31
5'10"
172 lb
CM
--
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Man CityMakes 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 Madrid in the Champions League, confirming he is back in the mix for Manchester City.
Analysis: 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.
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.
Analysis: 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.
Given 3-4 month timeline
Kovacic underwent a second surgery on his Achilles was given a three-to-four month timeline by Pep Guardiola. "Mentally he's strong, he accepted it [the injury] really good. Of course we're going to miss him, I guess maybe three or four months [out], I don't know - it's difficult to tell."
Analysis: Kovacic underwent a similar surgery in June which held him out until late September. Given that it's the similar surgery if not the same one, he'll likely be held out until February if not longer. That puts more pressure on Nico Gonzalez and Rodri to perform in every match, though it's not bad to have two elite options in the midfield. As for Kovacic, he'll hope to get back his full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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.
Analysis: 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.
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 with the ankle, and a little complications still there..."
Analysis: 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.
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. "He has a special quality with the ball to keep it but we cannot forget that he has come from surgery and had three or four months injured. I don't want Kovacic for 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes. In time, he will get it but I don't have the feeling that he is ready to play it now. For 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, Kova with Bernie and the older players, they are extraordinary, they are fantastic."
Analysis: 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.
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 to give us quality moments, quality time and quality minutes. Step-by-step, but it's important he's back."
Analysis: 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.
Available off bench
Kovacic (Achilles) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Burnley.
Analysis: 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.
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 is getting ready. He is not fully ready but step-by-step."
Analysis: 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.
Pictured in training
Kovacic was pictured in training during Tuesday's session.
Analysis: Kovacic is continuing to ramp up his workload as he works back from an Achilles issue. He was pictured training on grass Tuesday, as he looks towards a return Saturday against Burnley. When fit Kovacic is likely to be a rotational option.
Close to return
Kovacic (achilles) is close to returning from injury, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference, according to City Xtra.
Analysis: Kovacic is nearing the end of his recovery from the Achilles surgery he underwent in early June and could resume team training in the coming week. This is good news for the Citizens as the Croatian will add another option in midfield for coach Pep Guardiola, although he will likely hold a rotational role once fully fit.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare