Luka Modric’s international duty has arrived as an early test of Milan’s season-long balancing act. At 41, the Croatian midfielder remains available because his body has rarely forced the issue; the question for Milan, and for Ruben Amorim, is how carefully his minutes can be placed across a calendar that will soon tighten considerably.
Croatia’s decision changes the immediate picture
- Modric had appeared ready to end his Croatia career after the World Cup. His team-mates throwing him into the air following the match against Panama seemed to mark a farewell.
- During the summer, however, Croatia appointed Slaven Bilic for another spell in charge. Bilic previously led the national side from 2006 to 2012, and his first day in the role had coincided with Modric scoring his first goal for Croatia.
- Bilic contacted Modric and persuaded him to carry on, leaving the midfielder back in the squad for the Nations League meeting with the Czech Republic.
- Modric suffered a fever on Thursday, two days before the match, although Bilic said the illness had passed. The Croatia coach also noted that several players were unwell, with Martin Baturina particularly affected.
- Bilic said Croatia would select its strongest available side, and Modric was considered a serious candidate to start against the Czech Republic.
There is no suggestion that the decision is improper, but it naturally creates concern at Milan. Croatia’s next run is hardly gentle: Spain await on 29 September, England on 3 October and Spain again three days later. These are fixtures likely to demand far more than a controlled qualifying evening against modest opposition.
Milan’s management plan
Modric’s fitness record offers encouragement. Across his final three seasons at Real Madrid, he played 52, 46 and 63 matches. In the campaign under Massimiliano Allegri, he made 37 appearances, a lower total explained by Milan’s absence from European football and an early Coppa Italia exit rather than injury problems.
The more relevant comparison is his workload during that 63-match season in 2024-25. He averaged 47 minutes per appearance, effectively being used for a half rather than being asked to carry every contest from start to finish. That appears to be the model Milan will need to follow.
Amorim has made his position clear. Modric can be used when Milan establish possession and control, but the coach believes a match that becomes a running contest is beyond what can reasonably be demanded of a central midfielder of his age. He also sees a clearer role for the Croatian against low defensive blocks, while other fixtures will require a different assessment.
A demanding autumn begins
From October, matches are set to come every three or four days. Milan resume with an away trip to Sassuolo in Reggio Emilia, followed by Salzburg away, Atalanta at home and Bournemouth away.
The pattern suggests Modric may be seen more often in Serie A than in Milan’s two Europa League ties, especially where opponents allow the Rossoneri to dictate the rhythm. Yet the immediate concern comes before club football resumes: Croatia’s sequence, beginning with the Czech Republic, may ask for more than Milan would ideally want from their veteran midfielder.
