Mateo Kovacic
31-Year-Old
Manchester City
Premier
Plays first minutes
Kovacic played his first minutes of the season in Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton but will see limited minutes moving forward, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference. "He has a special quality with the ball to keep it but we cannot forget that he has come from surgery and had three or four months injured. I don't want Kovacic for 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes. In time, he will get it but I don't have the feeling that he is ready to play it now. For 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, Kova with Bernie and the older players, they are extraordinary, they are fantastic."
ANALYSIS
Kovacic is returning from a four-month absence that required surgery, which will force coach Pep Guardiola to manage him carefully and limit his minutes. The Croatian is expected to gradually rebuild his fitness and maintain a rotational role for Manchester City this season, as the coach is pleased with his contributions off the bench when called upon.
Kovacic is returning from a four-month absence that required surgery, which will force coach Pep Guardiola to manage him carefully and limit his minutes. The Croatian is expected to gradually rebuild his fitness and maintain a rotational role for Manchester City this season, as the coach is pleased with his contributions off the bench when called upon.
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Building up fitness
Kovacic featured with Croatia over the international break and is building his fitness levels, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "He started 50-60 minutes, step-by-step. He needs to give us quality moments, quality time and quality minutes. Step-by-step, but it's important he's back."
ANALYSIS
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Available off bench
Kovacic (Achilles) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Burnley.
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Could return Saturday
Kovacic has a chance to return during Saturday's clash with Burnley, according to manager Pep Guardiola."It would help] a lot to have Kova back. It's a long injury, surgery, but he is getting ready. He is not fully ready but step-by-step."
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Pictured in training
Kovacic was pictured in training during Tuesday's session.
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Close to return
Kovacic (achilles) is close to returning from injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola on Wednesday.
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Not keen on City departure
Kovacic is not interested in leaving Manchester City during the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
ANALYSIS
The 31-year-old midfielder has been approached by Saudi Pro League clubs this summer regarding a potential transfer, but it seems that's not an option Kovacic is keen on exploring. The Croatia midfielder wants to stay at Manchester City, though the fierce competition for roles in midfield might limit his playing time going forward.
The 31-year-old midfielder has been approached by Saudi Pro League clubs this summer regarding a potential transfer, but it seems that's not an option Kovacic is keen on exploring. The Croatia midfielder wants to stay at Manchester City, though the fierce competition for roles in midfield might limit his playing time going forward.