Mateo Kovacic has already played 26 matches this season and faces another on Saturday afternoon. Croatia will take on Morocco looking to claim the title of third best team in the world after being knocked out of contention for the World Cup by Argentina.
The Chelsea midfielder has persisted through a 2022/23 that has seen a domestic fixture list condensed to facilitate the international tournament despite having suffered with an injury issue during pre-season. Kovacic has dealt with a knee injury since that time, and the issue has been managed throughout the season, though the 28-year-old has still barely missed a game.
The former Inter Milan and Real Madrid ace has not minced his words about the condition of his teammates and himself. It's an update that Graham Potter will have expected but be unhappy to hear.
