Captain of Croatia and one of the best players of AC Milan this season, Luka Modrić (40), may return to the field earlier than expected. He underwent surgery on his ankle after sustaining an injury at the end of April during a match against Juventus. His return was expected at the beginning of July after the end of the current season. However, the relentless Croatian wants to help his struggling club, which has only won one of its last six matches and lost to Atalanta (3-2) at San Siro last Sunday.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modrić will undergo tests at the end of the week to determine if he can play this weekend against Genoa. If medical staff approve his return to the field, it will likely be with a protective mask.

- He visited the dressing room before the match with Atalanta (his still swollen face did not go unnoticed), but he managed to join the team and even sit on the stands. If it were up to him, he would have already played against Atalanta last week. This attitude speaks volumes about his desire to help AC Milan, the Italian newspaper writes.

'Rossoneri' are battling for one of the top four spots that lead to the Champions League. They have the same number of points as the fifth-placed Roma (67). Como is in sixth place with 65 points, and third-placed Juventus has 68. Napoli is on 70 points, while Inter has already secured the title with 85 points.

Two matches remain until the end of the season. Milan will play away against Genoa and then at home against Cagliari. Roma will face a derby against Lazio and then travel to Verona. Como will host Parma and face Cremonese in the last match, a team fighting for survival. Juventus will face Fiorentina and then the Turin derby in the last match, while Napoli will travel to Pisa and play at home against Udinese.

Modrić's future at Milan remains uncertain. The Italian top-tier club wants the Croatian to stay for next season, but much will depend on whether the 'Rossoneri' qualify for the Champions League next season. Modrić will soon decide on his future, and we will see him on the football pitch for at least one more season.