Croatian international Ivan Perišić is likely to miss the rest of the season after picking up a serious injury.
Tottenham have confirmed that the 34-year-old has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in his right knee.
The club posted on X that the Perišić sustained the injury in non-contact training.
The Croatian vice-captain now faces surgery, followed by a several-month recovery period. The medical staff of the Croatian national team is in contact with Perišić and Tottenham’s doctors.
Messages of support for Perišić have been sent by the president of the HNS , Marijan Kustić, and the coach Zlatko Dalić via the HNS website.
“Ivan has been one of the best players in our national team for about a decade, and he’s been one of the leaders and key players in the team during my tenure. So, this news has deeply saddened me. His absence will undoubtedly be a significant setback for us in the continuation of the qualifiers. We saw in these two matches in September just how good his form is and how important he is to us. However, I firmly believe that Ivan will be with us at the Euros next summer, which we must qualify for, and also for his sake.
I spoke with him and sensed his optimism and strong determination to be ready for the Euros, and knowing his dedication and physical capabilities, I’m confident he will undergo a top-notch recovery and reach his desired form by June. I cannot and do not want to imagine our national team without Ivan. We are all behind him, eagerly looking forward to seeing him back in the national team environment. I wish him a successful operation, followed by a quality recovery, and a return to the field to do what he does best – lead Croatia to great victories,” said Dalić.
“We were all saddened by the news of Ivan’s knee injury, primarily for his sake because we all witnessed his outstanding form and the passion, desire, and motivation with which he still plays for the Croatian national team against Latvia and Armenia. However, I am encouraged by his positive and determined attitude.
We all know how diligently and dedicatedly he works on his physical preparedness, and there is no doubt that he will undergo a recovery of the highest quality. Therefore, I deeply believe that he will be completely healthy and in top form for the Euros and that he will be one of the players and character leaders of our team in Germany, just as he has been for the past decade. Ivan can count on the full support of the Federation during his recovery, and I know that the entire team is with him and eagerly anticipates his return. From the bottom of my heart, I wish him a successful operation and an equally successful recovery,” Kustić said.
Source : Croatia Week
