According to a recent report by the Daily Mail, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic will not be able to represent Croatia during the international break after he sustained an injury against Sheffield United last weekend. The same source has mentioned that the Croatia international will miss his nation’s Euro 2020 qualifiers versus Slovakia and Azerbaijan respectively.
The 25-year-old inflamed an Achilles tendon in his right leg during their 2-2 draw at home against the Blades in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon (via the Daily Mail). Kovacic has been heavily involved in Frank Lampard’s first-team this season and has been a solid presence for them at the centre of the park.
Kovacic’s Mediocre Spell At West London
The Linz-born talent has featured in five matches for the Pensioners this term and has one assist to his name on all fronts. However, Kovacic needs to add more productivity to his game if he wants to win over the club’s supporters and be a household name in English football.
The ex-Inter Milan prospect did not shy away from his defensive duties last season when he averaged 1.4 tackles, 0.3 interceptions and 0.6 clearances per game in the top tier of England (stats via whoscored). The Pensioners playmaker has a wealth of international experience as well after representing Croatia in 52 matches while scoring one goal for his nation in the process.
What Does The Croatian Sensation Add To Lampard’s Side?
There is no denying that Kovacic can be a brilliant squad player for the West London club. However, the Croat has failed to establish his identity in Lampard’s first-team as he is a jack of all trades but a master of none. The Chelsea star can contribute by scoring or creating a few goals going forward and also provide some added defensive cover at the back. However, he has struggled to assume a true identity and needs to improve both the offensive and defensive sides of his game.
Kovacic is a box to box midfielder who can make some energetic runs in the opposition half. However, he lacks the pace and the creative skills to be a consistent goal-threat from midfield. He is also not afraid to make a few tackles in midfield but lacks the defensive qualities to win the ball back for his team.
Kovacic’s Latest Injury Setback: Massive Blow For Chelsea?
Losing Kovacic to injury will be a huge blow for the Pensioners as he was enjoying the best football of his Chelsea career over the past few weeks. However, now that the Croatian talent is set to spend some time on the sidelines, an up-and-coming newcomer like Billy Gilmour could get a chance to establish himself in Lampard’s first-team at Stamford Bridge which will be a positive for the West London giants in the long-run.
