Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has admitted he was deeply affected by news of Tottenham Hotspur winger Ivan Perisic’s injury.
Ivan Perisic’s serious injury during Tottenham Hotspur training has angered Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic.
Given that there are no European matches for Tottenham this season, one might expect a rather quiet week for Tottenham.
However, Daniel Levy has spoken about the possibility of bringing Harry Kane back to the club and now Ivan Perisic is injured.
Tottenham announced this afternoon that Perisic had suffered a “complex anterior cruciate ligament injury” to his right knee. Spurs added that the injury was sustained during non-contact training and he will now undergo immediate surgery.
Tottenham did not say that Perisic suffered a torn cruciate ligament, but he is now expected to be out for several months.
The 2022 Inter signing has been on the bench for all of Tottenham’s games this season but has made a real impact from the bench.
The 34-year-old came off the bench to set up Richarlison’s equalizer against Sheffield United and last season looked lively as a winger rather than a full-back.
Unfortunately, Perisic may have played his last game for Tottenham as his contract expires next summer.
Croatian national coach Zlatko Dalic celebrates after the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Russia…
Perisic could also miss Euro 2024 if his injury is as serious as feared.
Perisic has been an important player for Croatia for many years and this would probably have been his last major tournament in the Croatian jersey.
The news has greatly upset Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic as he grapples with the possibility of losing a key player for Euro 2024.
Dalic told SportKlub in Croatia that the news hit him hard because he had worked with Perisic for so long in the Croatian team.
Dalic adds that he has spoken to Perisic and that the Tottenham man is truly determined to get back fit for Euro 2024, giving the Croatian coach real hope of a return.
“Ivan was one of the best players of our national team for ten years and one of the leaders and key players of the national team during my tenure, so this news hit me hard and saddened me,”
Dalic said. “His absence will certainly be a big handicap for us in the progression towards qualification, we saw in these two matches in September how good he is and how important he is for us.”
“I firmly believe that Ivan will be at the European Championships next summer, which we must win thanks to him.
I spoke to him and felt his optimism and his strong desire to be ready for the European Championships.
Knowing his commitment and his physical capabilities, I am convinced that he will recover perfectly and reach the desired shape by June.
“I can’t and don’t want to imagine Ivan from our national team, we are all by his side and really looking forward to seeing him again in a representative environment.
“I wish him a successful operation and then a good recovery and return on the pitch so he can do what he does best: lead Croatia to great victories,” he added.
