“Try to get answers” – National team want Manchester City clarity after star has surgery

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić will travel to England to hold talks with Manchester City over Joško Gvardiol’s situation. 

On January 4th, the defender started in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League. He left the pitch after 51 minutes due to an injury.

The Manchester City player then underwent surgery and has been out of action since.

At that time, there were concerns over the Croatia international’s availability for the World Cup. He made his senior debut in 2021 and has been a regular for the national team since then.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the key figures of Dalić’s squad and his absence for the World Cup would be a blow for Croatia.

Last month, Croatia head of medical services, Tomislav Vlahović, indicated Gvardiol would be ready for the summer’s FIFA tournament. 

Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered claims that Manchester City are happy with his recovery so far.

Answers wanted from Guardiola & co.

Croatia face Colombia and Brazil during the upcoming international break. On Friday, Dalić announced his squad for the two friendlies and then spoke at a press conference. Net.hr have relayed his comments.

The national team boss was specifically asked about the chances of the Manchester City player making it to the World Cup.

Dalić confirmed his trip to Manchester after the March international break, to hold talks with Pep Guardiola and the Etihad club.

“After this tour, we will go to Manchester to talk to the coach to check the situation,” he said.

“Joško is very important to us, there is no doubt about that position, his energy and power. We will go to Manchester and try to get answers from the coach about what the plan is.

“We cannot influence it and we do not want to. I believe that he will be fine, in whatever condition he comes, it will be important to us. If he does not play anything at the club until then, we will have two friendly matches to prepare him. I hope and believe that he will be okay.”

Joško Gvardiol’s stats, contract and value

The centre-back, who can also operate as a left-back, has played 1,796 minutes from 23 matches for Manchester City this season.

His contract is until 2028, and Transfermarkt value him €70m, and the highest was €80m in October 2023.