Kranjčar ruled out until November
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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Portsmouth FC and Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjčar has been ruled out for between eight and 12 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair ruptured ankle ligaments.
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Portsmouth FC and Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjčar has been ruled out for between eight and 12 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.
Crucial period
The 24-year-old sustained a knock in Croatia's friendly with Slovenia last week and had an operation to repair a ruptured ankle ligament this morning. He will be unable to put any weight on the injured leg for three weeks before beginning rehabilitation work, ruling him out of a crucial period for club and country. Portsmouth learn their UEFA Cup first round opponents on Friday, though Kranjčar will miss the tie, as well as sitting out Croatia's opening FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Croatia coach Slaven Bilić, whose side meet Kazkhstan and England on 6 and 10 September respectively, said: "I've spoken to Niko and he said the surgery went fine. Niko's injury is a big shock for all of us and a huge handicap for this team."
