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New Delhi: Croatia’s midfield maestro Luka Modric will be operated on his fractured left cheekbone, weeks before his due participation in the FIFA World Cup.

The 40-year-old suffered the injury a his head clashed with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli’s during AC Milan’s 0-0 draw at the San Siro stadium on Sunday.

He was forced to leave the field with 10 minutes left but is is expected to be fit for what would be his fifth participation in the sporting festival that will stretch for 39 days after beginning on June 11.

Modric received medical treatment after being substituted but sat on the bench despite being visibly in pain but following an examination on Monday it was decided that he needed an operation.

With the goalless draw, Milan remain third in the standings, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with four games remaining.

Modric remains doubtful to take any part in Milan’s remaining matches and should he recover in time for the World Cup would need a protective mask to play.

Croatia are drawn with England, Ghana and Panama in Group L.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch urged FIFA to ensure that the American government establishes an “ICE Truce” for the World Cup.

In its reports published on Monday, HRW also urged FIFA to convince the Donald Trump-led government for a public guarantee to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and match venues.

“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers,” HRW said.

“One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce’…

“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games.

“Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech.”