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A Premier League star showed off a fresh new look as he posted an injury update to social media on Tuesday.
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 31, has been absent for most of the season with a series of troubling injuries, recording a mere four minutes of action in the Premier League so far.
The Champions League winner, who underwent an operation on his achilles ahead of the Club World Cup last summer, featured off the bench against Everton and Villarreal in October before suffering another disappointing setback.
He felt discomfort in his achilles and went under the knife for a second time, with Pep Guardiola later revealing he had also suffered an ankle problem.
Kovacic posted a positive update to his Instagram story on Tuesday, sharing a photo of his strapped-up leg and revealing he was 'happy to be back at club camp'.
As the update was shared around multiple Manchester City fan accounts, several supporters commented in shock at the Croatian's new hairstyle.
Mateo Kovacic showed off a fresh new look as he posted an injury update to social media
The Man City star has only made two cameo appearances in all competitions so far this season
Several supporters commented in shock at the Croatian midfielder's new haircut (posted on X)
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder has sported short hair throughout most of his career, but is now rocking long, wavy style.
'Who's this??? Hahaha,' one fan said on X.
'Who is this omg,' another added.
A third said in shock: 'WHERE HAS THIS BEAUTIFUL HAIR BEEN?'
'That's Cillian Murphy, where is Kovacic', a fourth posted, referring to the award-winning Irish actor.
Guardiola revealed in October that Kovacic will be on the treatment table for a lengthy period, expected to last around four months.
'He will be out for a while,' he said after City's Champions League clash with Villarreal. 'He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification still there.
'We'll wait on him for the last part of the season.'
His update shocked many fans - as he has sported short hair throughout most of his career
His international manager Zlatko Dalic raised deeper concerns over the October international break, expressing that he hopes the Croatian 'doesn't miss the World Cup' next summer.
Despite his fears, there is a strong possibility that Kovacic will return in time to partake in the March internationals with Croatia.
'We believe he'll be with us at the World Cup,' Dalic said last month. 'I'd like him to be back in March. It must be tough for him. The injury and the surgery are taking a psychological toll on him. I hope Kovacic gets through it all.'
