Injured Manchester City star issues seven-word social media update on recovery

Manchester City’s injured midfielder Mateo Kovacic has issued an update to supporters on his social media channels this week.

The Croatian international has endured a difficult spell on the sidelines following surgery on a long-term foot and ankle problem, with recurring issues preventing him from building rhythm this season.

His absence has been felt in Pep Guardiola’s midfield rotation, particularly during a congested winter period in which Manchester City have been forced to lean heavily on newer players and tactical reshuffles.

Mateo Kovacic has been working through an intensive rehabilitation programme since undergoing his latest procedure, splitting time between specialist treatment and remote conditioning work.

City officials have remained cautious about offering firm timelines, but recent indications and reports have suggested a multi-month lay-off is expected as he aims to fully resolve the issue. The midfielder’s recovery has also drawn attention from supporters and national team staff, with Croatia monitoring his situation closely ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Now, uploading a new photo on his social media channels this week, Mateo Kovacic revealed he has returned to the club’s City Football Academy training centre to continue his recovery process with City medical professionals.

“Happy to be back at club camp”, Kovacic wrote on his social channels accompanied by a photo of himself smiling from the club’s facilities.

Kovacic’s Croatia international teammate, Josko Gvardiol told reporters this week during a press conference on the midfielder, “He’s OK, I think he’s coming back to the training ground today [Monday], I can’t wait to see him!

“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.

“But I guess the most important thing is he recovers well, and then prepares for the end of the season and next season as well.”

Kovacic’s update will provide a welcome boost for City supporters who have been awaiting positive news on his condition. While a return to competitive action is still some distance away, his presence back at the CFA signals the start of a more intense phase of rehabilitation.

For Pep Guardiola, the next few months will require careful squad management as City continue to compete across multiple fronts without the experienced midfielder. Should his recovery progress as expected, Kovacic could make himself available for the closing stages and business end of the campaign.

Looking further ahead, both club and country will hope this latest surgery finally resolves the recurring issue, allowing Mateo Kovacic to start the 2026/27 campaign fully fit and re-establish his role in midfield after a challenging year physically.