Rangers defender Niko Katic says he hopes to return to football before the end of the year after suffering a crushing knee injury blow in training.
The big defender, 23, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in what is traditionally considered one of the worst injuries a footballer or sportsperson can sustain.
But with medical technology ever advancing, and with that bold Balkans spirit driving the Croatian on, he hopes to be back playing at Ibrox by the end of 2020.
“There was a rupture of my anterior cruciate ligament and it’s estimated I should be back by the New Year, so we’ll see how recovery goes,” Katic told Croatian media, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“I was in surgery last week and I have already started light rehabilitation.
“It’s possible the injury happened because of the extent of the break we had, but we will never know.
“It’s certainly not the same training at home, as with the team.
“I think the long break created problems and if you look at Germany for example, we saw there were many injuries after the first game back there.”
Katic also spoke about his ambitions with the country’s national team, which have been sidelined by the injury.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has already stated publicly that he’ll keep a space open for the big defender who he rates at a “high level”.
But Katic spoke about wanting to return to action and to realise his dream of playing for Croatia at Hampden when Euro 2020 comes around.
“It is certainly one of the main goals of my career. I worked really hard and I did everything to get picked for the national team before the European Championship, that was my goal,” said Katic.
“Unfortunately, this injury happened, but I will try my hardest again in the second half of this season.
“For me, everything was focussed on that this season. Playing for Croatia in Glasgow, which is now my second home, would be the peak of my career.
“I know I have a long, hard road ahead of me, but I will do my very best to make it happen.”
Nikola Katic has established himself as a firm fans’ favourite at Ibrox ever since joining for around £1.5m from Slaven Bepulo two seasons ago.
The towering 6ft4 Croat has gone on to make 59 appearances for the club, scoring six goals.
Rangers fans have pledged their support to the centre-half as he makes his return from injury.
