Rangers centre-back Nikola Katic has shared a picture of himself on an exercise bike as he documents his long, arduous return from a serious knee injury.
Manager Steven Gerrard confirmed last month that the Croatian won’t be back until preseason following a setback in his recovery, but it appears the defender is doing all he can to come back sooner.
Katic will likely miss a whole year of football after sustaining the injury last summer and supporters on Twitter feel it will be like having a new signing when he is available for selection again:
Good news, always like a new signing when a player has been out for so long.
— scott campbell (@codfuzz) March 17, 2021
Will be like having a new player next season ?
— Andrew Mulder McCoi5t E5q. (@ojmiester87) March 18, 2021
The size of his calf! ??? guy is an absolute machine these days looks huge
— Allay (@Allay78381121) March 18, 2021
Come back fit and well Niko look forward to seeing you for the UEFA fina. WATP ?????????????
— davey stewart (@daveystewart9) March 17, 2021
Is back home in ?? right now hope to see at ibrox on trophy on 16th or 17th May ?????????????????????❤️⚽?
— JILL F REILLY (@JJ22GR) March 17, 2021
Look forward to see what he can do next season
— James Moore. ?☕ (@NOTELINYI) March 17, 2021
Even when Katic does get back to full fitness, though, he is going to have a hell of a battle on his hands getting into the starting lineup. The Gers have been watertight defensively this season with Conor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun playing superbly well.
With Jack Simpson having also arrived from Bournemouth in January, Katic will be aware that he’ll need to show the manager he merits being considered a regular starter once again.