Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is set to face a challenging period as he grapples with a suspected back injury, which has left his participation in upcoming matches in doubt.

According to a report by Jutarnji list, Kovacic missed Croatia’s Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Latvia and Armenia due to this injury concern. As a result, he is now slated to undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the muscle problem, and it’s possible that he may need to take a break from action for a period of 10 days or even longer.

Kovacic’s injury comes at a crucial juncture for Manchester City, who acquired the midfielder from Chelsea during the summer transfer window in a deal valued at £25 million ($32 million). Since joining the club, Kovacic has made six appearances across various competitions, showcasing his importance to the team’s midfield.

The timing of his injury couldn’t be worse for City, as they are scheduled to face West Ham in the Premier League on the upcoming Saturday. His absence from the lineup could potentially impact City’s performance in this crucial fixture.

In a recent poll conducted by a sports outlet, fans were asked about their predictions for the Premier League title this season. Notably, Manchester City was among the top contenders, with 47% of respondents favoring them to clinch the title. Other teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea also had their share of support, but City emerged as the frontrunners in this survey.

Mateo Kovacic has been a regular starter for Man. City since Kevin De Bruyne’s injury. The club was able to secure the services of another midfielder, Matheus Nunes from Wolves to bolster their squad. This could be Nunes chance to get a start for Manchester City.

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