According to reports from *La Gazzetta dello Sport* journalist Marco Pasotto, AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric is eager to return to action immediately for the match against Genoa, even if it means wearing a protective mask.
When Modric was injured in the game against Juventus, the initial reaction from the Milan world was naturally concern for his health. Soon after, some cynically thought the injury was unfortunate but at least came late in the season when the fate of the campaign seemed largely decided.
However, that turned out to be a major misjudgment. In the two subsequent matches, Modric’s absence proved disastrous for the Rossoneri. Conceding five goals, Milan experienced a near-total vacuum in midfield. Both Yacine Adli and Riccardo Saponara failed to meet expectations, and no substitution could fix the problem. Simply put, there are two different versions of Milan—one with Modric and one without. Now, the Croatian star is desperate to return to the version that includes him.
What was initially considered a season-ending injury may now be reassessed. After the loss to Atalanta, coach Massimiliano Allegri was pessimistic, suggesting it would be almost impossible for Modric to play in the final league match. But that view has not convinced the player himself. Modric has no intention of waiting until the last match against Cagliari; he is determined to be in the squad for the Genoa game.
To achieve this, Modric will undergo new scans this week to check the wound’s healing progress. If the results are positive, the next step will be to create and fit a protective mask for his face. At the very least, Modric hopes to be on the bench at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, ready to come on if needed. However, this is only his personal wish. The final decision rests with the medical team, and it requires clinical judgment—willpower alone is not enough.
Watching his team struggle has been painful for Modric, who is desperate to make a difference. Before the match against Atalanta, he visited the dressing room, and his still-swollen face drew attention. Yet for a professional, being in the stands and saying hello is far different from pulling on the shirt and fighting alongside teammates. If it were up to him, he would have been on the bench as early as Sunday night. This attitude fully reflects his strong desire to help Milan.
For Milan, securing Champions League qualification would significantly increase the likelihood of Modric staying, while failing to do so would likely mean his departure. Director of football Geoffrey Moncada has expressed optimism about keeping him, but a top-four finish is a non-negotiable condition: without Champions League football, Modric will say thanks and say goodbye. Therefore, there is now an additional reason to help this struggling Milan. Taking the field himself would not only aid the team but also benefit his own future, as it is the best way to determine where he will play next season.