Croatia name Modric, 40, in World Cup squad
Modric, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, has since undergone surgery but has been named in coach Zlatko Dalic's 26-man squad. "He's training with a [facial] mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him," Dalic said.
"We'll see his condition, but I don't doubt him. He'll be in good form". Former Real Madrid and Tottenham player Modric played a key role in Croatia's run to the World Cup final in 2018 and semi-final in 2022, and will be playing in his fifth World Cup.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol was also included in Croatia's party despite suffering a broken shin in January. Dalic said the 24-year-old will be given chances in the warm-up matches to build up his form for the tournament, which kicks off June 11. He added: "We hope he'll be ready to play.
We expect him to be a major boost for us in the US. " Gvardiol's City team-mate Mateo Kovacic is one of three English-based players in the squad along with Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. Former Everton and West Ham midfielder Nikola Vlasic and ex-Spurs winger Ivan Perisic - now with Torino and PSV Eindhoven respectively - are included.
Croatia are England's first opponents in Group L on 17 June at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas before they face Panama and Ghana. "The main goal is to get through the group. I'm optimistic as always, we have a good national team.