Man City’s hopes of reclaiming Premier League title handed early blow with star set to ‘miss the start of next season’ after undergoing surgery

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is set to miss the start of next season after undergoing surgery. 

The 31-year-old endured an inconsistent second season at the Etihad as City secured Champions League qualification. 

Pep Guardiola revealed Kovacic was upset about missing the FA Cup final as a precautionary injury measure – only for the situation to flip days later when the Croatian started against Bournemouth and was sent off, leaving the manager visibly furious. 

The midfielder has two years left on his deal, but with City aiming to refresh their midfield, there’s speculation over possible exits for him, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.

However, Kovacic looks set to be sidelined for the upcoming Club World Cup and the duration of the transfer window after the club confirmed he has undergone an achilles surgery. 

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic revealed that the initial recovery plan for the injury has not worked as hoped. 

The Croatian has undergone an achilles surgery and is set to be sidelined for three months 

Pep Guardiola ‘is set to refresh his midfield options this summer after a disappointing season

‘He had an injury and missed the cup final,’ he said. ‘He thought rest would help but it didn’t. Pain and swelling appeared concerning the heel tendon.

Meanwhile, City have held further talks over a £55million deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

The 26-year-old Netherlands international has enhanced his reputation since joining Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, scoring 19 goals in 104 games for the Italian side.

City also want Lyon’s £30m-rated midfielder Rayan Cherki, who is keen on the move.

Cherki, 21, netted in both legs of Lyon’s chaotic Europa League quarter-final defeat by Manchester United last month.

Should both deals progress, it will cast doubt over a move for Nottingham Forest‘s Morgan Gibbs-White.