Modric handed rest as Dalic benches him for Croatia-Gibraltar

Luka Modric is beginning on the bench for Croatia of their World Cup qualifier in opposition to Gibraltar this night, as confirmed this night.

Modric has been taking part in rather a lot firstly of this season, regardless of the age of 40, however his physique has dealt with the workload nicely. Given simply how onerous the midfielder works on the coaching floor, and the measures taken to remain in form, it’s not precisely shocking.

That being stated, some relaxation right here and there received’t do any hurt. To date, he has began all six league video games for Milan however was not less than rested within the two Coppa Italia video games (solely 24 minutes in opposition to Bari). For Croatia, in the meantime, he had began three out of 4 video games this fall up till tonight.

🇭🇷 Luka Modric is beginning on the bench for Croatia in opposition to Gibraltar pic.twitter.com/K0cAB5WJz9

— SemperMilan (@SempreMilanCom) October 12, 2025

With 13 factors in 5 video games, it’s clear that Croatia are in a fairly comfy place of their group and thus can afford to relaxation Modric. Particularly when the substitute is known as Mateo Kovacic, and the opponent is known as Gibraltar (with all due respect). That is precisely what Zlatko Dalic has accomplished.

Modric is anticipated to be again at Milanello on Tuesday to start preparations for the Fiorentina sport. That’s scheduled for Sunday, although, so there may be loads of time to recuperate earlier than then and put in a very good shift beneath the San Siro lights.