Croatia are seeking clarity from Manchester City over Joško Gvardiol’s recovery, with manager Zlatko Dalić confirming plans to travel to England for direct talks with Pep Guardiola.
The defender has been sidelined since January 2026 following surgery, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming World Cup.
Joško Gvardiol injury update prompts Croatia talks with Manchester City
Gvardiol picked up the injury during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on 4 January 2026 and has not featured since undergoing surgery.
While recent reports have suggested his recovery is progressing well, Croatia’s coaching staff want clearer answers regarding his timeline and match readiness.
Speaking ahead of the March international break, Dalić confirmed he will visit Manchester after the current fixtures to assess the situation directly.
“After this tour, we will go to Manchester to talk to the coach to check the situation.” — Zlatko Dalić
Croatia push for clarity ahead of World Cup
Gvardiol remains a central figure in Croatia’s setup, and his availability for the summer tournament is a key concern.
Dalić made clear the importance of understanding Manchester City’s plan for the defender’s recovery.
“Joško is very important to us. We will go to Manchester and try to get answers from the coach about what the plan is.” — Zlatko Dalić
Croatia are scheduled to face Colombia and Brazil during the international break, but Gvardiol’s focus remains on recovery rather than immediate involvement.
Managing return without club minutes
Dalić also acknowledged that even if Gvardiol returns without significant club minutes, Croatia will look to prepare him through friendly matches.
"If he does not play anything at the club until then, we will have two friendly matches to prepare him."
That approach highlights the balance between recovery and readiness, particularly for a player expected to play a key role.
However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about his availability for competitive fixtures.
Key player for club and country
Gvardiol has been a regular for Manchester City this season, making 23 appearances and playing 1,796 minutes across competitions.
| Stat (2025/26) | Joško Gvardiol |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 23 |
| Minutes Played | 1,796 |
| Position | CB / LB |
| Contract | Until 2028 |
| Market Value | €70m |
source: sofascore match data – 20 March 2026
His versatility and physical presence make him a vital asset for both Manchester City and Croatia.
Key Insights
- Croatia will hold talks with Manchester City over Gvardiol
- The defender has been out since January following surgery
- Zlatko Dalić wants clarity on his recovery timeline
- Gvardiol is a key player for Croatia ahead of the World Cup
- Friendly matches may be used to rebuild his fitness
What’s Next
Dalić is expected to travel to Manchester after the international break to meet with Guardiola and the club’s medical staff. Those discussions should provide a clearer picture of Gvardiol’s recovery timeline.
Croatia will continue preparing for the World Cup, with contingency plans in place depending on his availability.
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