Mateo Kovacic
MCI
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
May 6, 1994 (32)
Right
5'10"
172 lb
Finds bench role
Kovacic (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Kovacic returns to the squad after missing Tuesday's UCL victory over AEK Athens with discomfort that surfaced against Ipswich. The midfielder is available as a substitute, giving Manchester City another option centrally, with both Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson starting together in the double pivot against the Villains.
Remains questionable for Villa clash
Kovacic (undisclosed) remains questionable for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Aston Villa after missing Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens, with his availability depending on Friday's training session, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "The other three [Matheus, Nico & Mateo] we will have to wait for today's session."
Analysis: Kovacic remains uncertain for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa after experiencing discomfort during last weekend's encounter against Ipswich. The midfielder subsequently missed Monday's final training session and was left out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens, raising concerns about his short-term availability. Coach Maresca has yet to confirm whether the Croatian has fully recovered, with Friday's training session expected to provide a clearer indication of his readiness. Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi started in central midfield against AEK Athens and could continue to see additional playing time if Kovacic remains unavailable. His participation in Friday's session will be crucial in determining whether he can return to the matchday squad Saturday.
Out Tuesday
Kovacic (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Tuesday's UCL match against AEK Athens.
Analysis: Kovacic didn't participate in City's final training session Monday, so it's not a huge surprise that he isn't in the squad for this game -- especially after he left the weekend match against Ipswich with some discomfort. With Kovacic out, Enzo Maresca has decided to start Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi in central midfield. Kovacic will aim to recover in time to be an option for Saturday's league clash against Aston Villa.
Uncertain after missing training
Kovacic (knock) missed Monday's final training session after being forced off during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, leaving his availability for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens uncertain, according to Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: Kovacic sustained the knock during his first start of the season against Ipswich, providing an assist for Haaland's opening goal before being substituted around the 50th minute. Although initial assessments suggested the injury was not serious, the Croatian midfielder's absence from Monday's training session raises doubts about his involvement against AEK Athens. Manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that most of the players who picked up knocks against Ipswich are recovering well, but Kovacic could still be rested as Manchester City manage his workload following his limited involvement this season.
Likely against AEK Athens
Kovacic (knock) should be available for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens after sustaining a knock during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "The rest are more or less okay."
Analysis: Kovacic appears to have avoided a significant injury after being forced off during the second half of Saturday's victory over Ipswich Town. The midfielder was making his first start of the season before picking up a knock, although coach Enzo Maresca subsequently confirmed that the Croatian had reported feeling fine after the match. The coach's latest comments suggest that most of Manchester City's squad should be available for Tuesday's European fixture, with Antoine Semenyo (knee) the only player facing a significant absence. Kovacic should therefore remain an option against AEK Athens, although his limited involvement this season and the possibility of squad rotation could affect his chances of retaining a starting role. Given his recent lack of regular minutes, the coaching staff could also opt to manage his workload carefully even if he is fully cleared to feature.
Should be fine moving forward
Kovacic (knock) is expected to be fine after leaving Saturday's' 3-2 win over Ipswich in the second half with a knock, manager Enzo Maresca said during the post-game press conference. "Mateo said he was OK."
Analysis: Based on Maresca's assessment, it seems Kovacic should be available moving forward. The start against Ipswich was his first of the season, and between his reduced role and the knock he sustained, it's unclear whether he'd be an option to start against AEK Athens on Tuesday in the UCL league phase.
Forced off with knock Saturday
Kovacic was forced off with a knock during Saturday's Premier League match against Ipswich Town and was replaced by Enzo Fernandez, according to the club.
Analysis: Kovacic's afternoon ended early when a knock forced him off and Fernandez replaced him in midfield. He had been recalled to the starting lineup as part of Maresca's rotation after the midweek loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and his assessment over the coming days will determine whether he is available for City's next match.
Settling in backup role
Kovacic has been an unused substitute in each of Manchester City's last three EPL matches.
Analysis: The veteran midfielder has come off the bench three times in the EPL and the UCL, but he hasn't played minutes in the league since Aug. 28, when he logged 15 minutes in a 1-0 win over Coventry City. Kovacic should remain a depth option in midfield until injuries or suspensions create an opportunity to earn more playing time.
Makes late appearance
Kovacic recorded no stats in Friday's 4-1 win versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Kovacic came onto the field with just a few minutes left in Friday's match, featuring for 15 minutes. He would only see a few touches, amounting to 27 passes completed. He has now appeared off the bench in both games to start the season, seemingly set to remain a rotational option.
Plays half vs. Inter Milan
Kovacic played the first half in Manchester City's preseason friendly against Inter Milan after returning from the World Cup with Croatia, the club announced.
Analysis: Kovacic contributed an assist across four appearances during the tournament. He is entering the final year of his City contract and wants clarity on his future soon, with transfer speculation surrounding a possible departure this summer given that even as a squad player he wouldn't get regular minutes at the club right now. Kovacic is expected to serve as a backup option in midfield if he remains at City for the coming season.
Takes three shots in loss
Kovacic registered three shots (three on goal) in Thursday's 2-1 defeat against Portugal.
Analysis: Kovacic led Croatia in shots and hit the bar once, but could not find the back of the net as Croatia lost in a very controversial match. The Manchester City midfielder finished the World Cup with one assist, five shots and five tackles in four starts. That may have been his fourth and last World Cup as he will be 36 years-old in 2030.
Knocks in assist
Kovacic assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win over Ghana.
Analysis: Kovacic helped set the tone for Croatia, assisting Petar Sucic's opener and playing a key role in the 2-1 win over Ghana. After beginning the tournament on the bench against England, he worked his way into the starting lineup and logged 182 minutes in the group stage. His distribution was exceptional, completing 148 accurate passes for a 96 percent success rate, while also contributing defensively with four tackles won and four recoveries. His blend of control and work rate makes him an important figure for Croatia heading into the knockout rounds.
Helps keep clean sheet Tuesday
Kovacic registered two tackles (one won) and one interception in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Panama.
Analysis: Kovacic joined the starting XI Tuesday, playing in a deep, defensive role in midfield. He won two duels, one tackle and intercepted one pass on the defensive end and did not go high enough up the pitch to contribute much on the attack. The Manchester City man was subbed off in the 72nd minute for Petar Sucic. It's unclear if he'll start again Saturday versus Ghana, a crucial match in order to finish second in the group.
Earns late assist
Kovacic assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Monday's 3-3 draw against Everton.
Analysis: Kovacic appeared off the bench Monday for only the third time since recovering from injury, coming on for 15 minutes of play. However, he had a major moment, with the midfielder finding Erling Haaland in the 83rd minute for a goal. This is only his first goal contribution of the season, although he has only made three appearances.
Makes bench Saturday
Kovacic (Achilles) remained an unused substitute during Saturday's clash against West Ham United and was spotted training in full Sunday ahead of Tuesday's second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League, confirming he is back in the mix for Manchester City.
Analysis: Kovacic has shaken off his Achilles injury after being available off the bench in Saturday's clash against West Ham United and being spotted training in full Sunday ahead of Tuesday's second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The midfielder is back in the rotation for the Citizens and should be in line to log minutes off the bench in the upcoming fixtures. He is expected to resume the same depth role he held prior to the setback.
Back in training
Kovacic (Achilles) was back in training with the group this week and could be back in action later this month, according to CityXtra.
Analysis: Kovacic was spotted in training earlier this week and could be back in action later this month after missing the last four months due to an achilles injury. The midfielder was used as a substitute in the two matches prior to the injury and is expected to resume that role, at least until he regains full fitness, though his return could provide additional depth in midfield.
Given 3-4 month timeline
Kovacic underwent a second surgery on his Achilles was given a three-to-four month timeline by Pep Guardiola. "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."
Analysis: Kovacic underwent a similar surgery in June which held him out until late September. Given that it's the similar surgery if not the same one, he'll likely be held out until February if not longer. That puts more pressure on Nico Gonzalez and Rodri to perform in every match, though it's not bad to have two elite options in the midfield. As for Kovacic, he'll hope to get back his full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Set to undergo new surgery
Kovacic is set to undergo heel surgery in the coming days and will be sidelined until February, according to Sportske Novosti.
Analysis: Kovacic suffered a setback on the same foot as his previous injury and will undergo surgery to treat a heel deformation. This is a blow for the Citizens since the Croatian is an important part of the rotation with his experience. Kovacic will aim to return fit for the second part of the season to help Manchester City reach their objectives.
Set to miss time
Kovacic (ankle) is set to miss time since he is still suffering from complications, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference, according to City Xtra. "He has a problem still with the ankle, and a little complications still there..."
Analysis: Kovacic is still dealing with complications from his ankle injury and is set to spend some time on the sidelines to recover. That said, the midfielder has seen only limited playing time when fully fit for the Citizens, so his absence won't affect the starting XI.
Plays first minutes
Kovacic played his first minutes of the season in Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton but will see limited minutes moving forward, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference. "He has a special quality with the ball to keep it but we cannot forget that he has come from surgery and had three or four months injured. I don't want Kovacic for 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes. In time, he will get it but I don't have the feeling that he is ready to play it now. For 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, Kova with Bernie and the older players, they are extraordinary, they are fantastic."
Analysis: Kovacic is returning from a four-month absence that required surgery, which will force coach Pep Guardiola to manage him carefully and limit his minutes. The Croatian is expected to gradually rebuild his fitness and maintain a rotational role for Manchester City this season, as the coach is pleased with his contributions off the bench when called upon.
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