van Perisic tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday， forcing him to miss Croatia's World Cup qualifier against Russia and Inter Milan's upcoming Serie A fixture. The news broke just hours after he trained with the national team。sending shockwaves through both camps. Perisic， who has been in stellar form this season， is asymptomatic but must isolate for at least 10 days per local health protocols. His absence leaves a gaping hole on the left flank—one that neither Croatia nor Inter can easily fill.
Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic called the timing 'a brutal blow.' Perisic had been instrumental in the qualifiers， contributing three goals and four assists. Without him， Croatia lacks width and experience against a Russian side that defends deep. Dalic might turn to Borna Sosa or Josip Brekalo， but neither offers Perisic's relentless engine or big-game pedigree. The 32-year-old's leadership in the locker room is equally irreplaceable. I recall his extra-time winner against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final—that kind of moment doesn't come from a替补. His presence alone lifts teammates.For Inter， the timing is equally cruel. Perisic had finally nailed down a starting spot under Simone Inzaghi。delivering crosses and tracking back with equal fervor. His COVID-19 infection means he'll miss the derby against AC Milan—a match where his duel with Theo Hernandez often decides the outcome. Inter's medical staff confirmed he's quarantining at home， monitored daily. The club has depth in Ivan Perisic's position?Not really. Aleksandar Kolarov is 36 and defensively suspect;Matteo Darmian is a stopgap. Inzaghi may shift to a 3-5-2 with Dumfries on the left， but that's square pegs in round holes. Perisic infected with COVID-19 isn't just a health issue—it's a tactical headache that could cost points.This isn't Perisic's first brush with the virus. He missed two weeks in early 2021 after a positive test， and his return was sluggish. Athletes often report lingering fatigue and reduced lung capacity post-infection， even in mild cases. Perisic。who relies on explosive sprints and repeated high-intensity runs， might need extra time to regain match sharpness. Inter's medical team will monitor his cardiac markers closely—myocarditis is a rare but real risk. The club hasn't set a return date， and that uncertainty looms large. Croatia's final qualifier against Russia is a must-win;without Perisic， they might have to grind out a result rather than dominate.
Fans on social media are already speculating about a timeline. Some point to his vaccination status—Perisic is reportedly vaccinated， which should reduce severity. Others worry about long COVID. I've watched enough athletes come back too soon and re-injure themselves. The smart move is patience， but football rarely rewards patience. Dalic and Inzaghi both need him， and Perisic—a fierce competitor—will push to return early. His infection is a stark reminder that the pandemic still shapes seasons. As one Inter ultra told me， 'We can replace a winger。but not his heart.' That heart will be in isolation for now， and both teams must find a way to cope.