Mateo Kovacic has barely played for Manchester City. The Croatian midfielder has only made two appearances off the bench for a grand total of 37 minutes so far this season. Kovacic had surgery on a troublesome Achilles issue at the end of last season. He suffered a setback during his return and had to have a second round of surgery to resolve the issue. Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday that Mateo Kovacic has finally returned to training. Kovacic is an underrated member of this Manchester City squad, and if he can return, his experience could prove to be vital for Pep Guardiola’s side across the back end of this season.
Manchester City have received a boost as Mateo Kovacic has begun training after a long injury layoff.
Speaking yesterday, ahead of Manchester City’s fourth-round FA Cup tie against Salford City at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola provided an update on Mateo Kovacic’s progress. Guardiola revealed that the Croatian international has returned to training. Speaking on the status of Mateo Kovacic, Pep Guardiola said: “Kova is already, you know, starting to be on the pitch training. Before the Club World Cup he decided to make a surgery, to be fit this season and unfortunately it did not go well.”
“And now I spoke with him in the last days and he feels really, really good, comparing between the first surgery and the second. Hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season.”
The Manchester City manager also revealed that his team has missed Mateo Kovacic and his ability to link up play in midfield. He added: “I miss him a lot, his ability in short passes and when we play without proper wingers, with a lot of players inside. He is magnificent to one v one and attack the next line.”
Mateo Kovacic could have an important role to play across the back end of this season.
At his best, and when fully fit, Mateo Kovacic is an important member of Manchester City. With his experience, guile, ability to do the dirty work, and get forward from midfield, Kovacic adds important attributes to the City midfield. Pep Guardiola’s side could do with having Kovacic back and available to add squad depth and quality off the bench. As City chase honours in four competitions, they do need as many players available as possible. With Mateo Kovacic back training, help is on the way, and the Croatian midfielder could have an important role to play across the final stages this season.
The good news for Manchester City is that Mateo Kovacic is finally back in training. Kovacic has endured a frustrating 2025/26 season. Now that he is training again, it does seem that Kovacic’s return to the pitch isn’t too far away. Pep Guardiola will need the Croatian midfielder at the back end of this season, so the hope is that Kovacic is now through the worst of his injury troubles.