Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is set to undergo a scan on a muscular injury he picked up whilst on international duty, according to Sportske
The news outlet claims that the 29-year-old missed Croatia’s game against Armenia on Monday evening due to the issue and initial estimates suggest he could be out for up to 10 days.
It means Kovacic won’t be available for City’s fixture against West Ham this weekend, while it is doubtful that he will feature in the first Champions League group match versus Red Star Belgrade either.
Recovering from a muscular injury can be complicated by a number of factors so fans may have to be patient in terms of when to expect him back in action.
The Premier League champions have games against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle (in the Carabao Cup) and Wolves before the end of the month as well, so you do wonder if he will return for those fixtures, considering the tight schedule.
The midfielder’s injury history is a concern
During his time at Chelsea, Kovacic had 13 separate injuries over a four year period. Only one of them was serious enough to keep him out for more than a month but he is somewhat injury prone.
It will be hoped that this latest fitness setback doesn’t keep him out for more than the estimated 10 days.
Kovacic has impressed since joining City
Some supporters were sceptical about signing a midfielder who is closing in on the final stages of his career. Kovacic will turn 30 in May.
However, the benefit of recruiting such an experienced player is that he can slot in and do a job straight away and, since arriving from Chelsea, the Croatian international has not put a foot wrong.
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