Gvardiol's World Cup dream in doubt after broken leg diagnosis

Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol faces an anxious wait over his 2026 World Cup participation after the club confirmed he suffered a tibial fracture during the Premier League draw with Chelsea, requiring surgery.

The 23-year-old hobbled off in the second half at the Etihad, and subsequent scans delivered the worst possible news. With no return date set and surgery still to come, Gvardiol's chances of representing Croatia this summer hang in the balance.

Despite the blow, the defender was defiant on social media. "This is a hard moment — but it will never define me," he wrote. "I'll fight every day to return stronger."

For Croatia, who have relied heavily on Gvardiol's ability to play both left back and centre back, the timing couldn't be worse.