After three long months, Luka Modrić has finally returned to action from suffering a fractured fibula in August. A training ground friendly was arranged on Tuesday with Grays Athletic and Modrić played through 70 minutes as Spurs won 5-2. Also returning from injury was Giovani dos Santos, who scored two of their five goals. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jon Obika, and Anton Blackwood secured the others.
After the match Clive Allan reported on Luka, “It was great to see Luka back. He worked hard in the game, he needed the match practice and I’m sure it will bring him on a great deal. It was important for Luka as it was a number of the first-team squad to play and a couple of younger players in and around the first team squad.”
The excited Croatian midfielder said the next day, “I feel good. I didn’t feel any pain and that’s the most important thing. It’s great to be back and I’m happy, it’s a relief after three months. I can’t wait to play again. The last three months have been hard but that’s behind me now and I feel happy and relieved. I will take it step by step and I’ll have to see now when the manager decides to put me back in the squad.”
Luka reflected on his injury, “When I found out what the injury was, it was devastating for me. It was my first major injury and it was difficult to accept, but I had to. Now it’s behind me and I need to look forward. I’m just happy to be back.”
Tottenham have had a wonderful start to the season and Modrić, unfortunately, has only taken part in four matches of their fifteen played. He praised the team by saying, “We have a great team, a great club, lots of quality players and that is good for the club. We have plenty of options and that’s positive. I hope we can keep it going.”
Modrić is back in full training with the first team and has even made the squad for tomorrow’s match with Wolves. Harry Redknapp reported that Modrić would be unlikely to start the match, but the he was delighted to have Luka back in the squad. In a press conference on Friday Harry said, “Luka came through the reserve game and he was fine, which is good for us. It’s good to have him back and available again. It’s a bit early to start him at the moment but he’ll be involved on Saturday.”
He continued, “He’s a great player and one you obviously miss. We’re lucky Niko has come in for us and played in that position during his absence and I could see them both playing in the same team at some point. But we need Luka back because he opens doors, he sees a pass or makes a dribble that causes the opposition problems – he’s a super player.”
With Modrić back and Kranjčar doing so well, there has been wonder at who will be working the midfield now, or if both will feature. The Croatian pair work brilliantly when on the pitch for Croatia, and hopefully will be able to at club level. Maybe we’ll see tomorrow at the Lane, or perhaps on Wednesday when Spurs host Manchester City.
Jill Guthrie
