Manchester City have been dealt another injury setback, with reports from Sportske Novosti confirming that midfielder Mateo Kovačić will undergo surgery on a recurring heel problem that could sideline him until late February or early March 2026.
The Croatian international missed City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth last weekend, and Pep Guardiola later admitted the 30-year-old would be “out for a while.” It now appears that “a while” could stretch into nearly four months, ruling him out of a crucial stretch of fixtures as the champions balance Premier League and Champions League ambitions.
Recurrence of Heel Injury Forces New Operation
Kovačić’s current problem traces back to the arthroscopic procedure he underwent in June to correct a painful heel bone deformity. That initial surgery appeared successful, allowing him to return in early autumn and feature twice for City before discomfort resurfaced.
According to Sportske Novosti, tests in London last week revealed “calcification” in the heel area — hardened deposits causing pain and inflammation. After conservative therapy failed to resolve the issue, medical staff and specialists have agreed that another operation is necessary.
This second procedure, described as “lighter in structure than the one in June,” is expected to take place before the end of this week, most likely under the care of Dr. James Caldar, the same surgeon who performed the earlier operation.
Timeline and Expected Recovery
The Croatian outlet adds that rehabilitation is likely to take around four months, meaning Kovačić’s return could come in late February or early March 2026. That timeline would see him miss City’s festive run, the Champions League group-stage conclusion, and potentially the early knockout rounds.
| Estimated Timeline | Mateo Kovačić |
|---|---|
| Surgery Date | By 8 November 2025 |
| Rehabilitation Period | 4 months |
| Expected Return | February–March 2026 |
source: Sportske Novosti & Manchester City update – 3 November 2025
The midfielder’s absence compounds Guardiola’s midfield concerns.
How Kovačić’s Absence Impacts Guardiola’s Plans
In our view, Kovačić’s setback couldn’t come at a worse time. Guardiola had earmarked him as a vital rotation option in the engine room, capable of dictating tempo in tight fixtures and offering press resistance when City are under pressure.
We believe Guardiola may be forced to rely more heavily on academy graduate Rico Lewis or push John Stones into midfield to maintain balance — a tactical shift reminiscent of last season’s treble run. Kovačić’s technical calmness and experience, however, will be hard to replace during key winter battles.
Key Insights
- Mateo Kovačić to undergo second heel surgery in London this week.
- Recovery expected to take four months, with return likely late February or early March 2026.
- Follows June surgery for similar issue that kept him sidelined for 100+ days.
- Tests revealed calcification in the heel, causing renewed pain and inflammation.
- Pep Guardiola faces renewed midfield depth concerns during the winter schedule.
What’s Next for Manchester City
City’s immediate focus turns to their Champions League clash with Dortmund before a Premier League home game at the Etihad against Liverpool. Guardiola is expected to rotate midfield options heavily in the coming weeks, with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva also capable of filling deeper roles.
For Kovačić, attention now turns to rehabilitation. The club will hope this latest surgery fully resolves his persistent heel issue, ensuring he can return pain-free for the decisive stretch of the campaign.
👉 City fans — how big a loss is Kovačić for the next four months, and should Guardiola look for a midfield signing in January?
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