The Tottenham centre-back has been catching the eye in the Bundesliga but a knee injury is proving to be more problematic than first thought
Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic’s knee joint is believed to be “more severely damaged” than first thought according to reports in Germany.
The 19-year-old Croatia international has been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this season with his performances in the centre of Hamburg’s defence, which has been one of the league’s best-performing since he began to hit his stride as the season wore on.
Vuskovic has played 27 matches for the German side across this campaign, scoring five times and providing one assist and winning awards aplenty along the way.
The Spurs teenager’s form has ensured he has been linked with a string of top clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, but he has missed the past two matches with a knee injury picked up in training on April 7. HSV have duly gone from conceding 13 goals in 11 games with Vuskovic in the backline to conceding seven across those two defeats at Stuttgart and Werder Bremen.
German media outlet Bild are now reporting that the joint in his knee is “more severely damaged” than originally thought and the youngster has not even been able to do any individual rehabilitation work on the grass. A comeback against Hoffenheim this Saturday night in Hamburg is currently looking doubtful with no timeline of return given by the outlet.
Vuskovic has proved to be a young leader in the HSV backline as well as a huge presence at both defending and attacking set pieces. Hamburg boss Merlin Polzin was hoping he would be fit for that 3-1 derby defeat at Bremen last weekend but while the teenager travelled with the squad he was unable to take part.
Despite speculation over his future, Spurs have Vuskovic tied down to a long contract and he spoke about what will come next in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine after being asked about his dream of playing with his brother Mario, who is set to return to Hamburg next season from a four-year doping suspension, having maintained his innocence throughout.
“In football, you never know. It could happen next year, or in ten years,” said Vuskovic of playing with Mario. “I don’t want to promise anyone anything. But it’s my biggest dream to be on the pitch with him here in Hamburg, or later in Split. After this season, I’ll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030.”
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One criticism of Vuskovic has been his lack of pace and acceleration and the teenager admitted that he trying to work on that aspect of his game.
“I know my weaknesses. I’ve been training with a private coach for a while now to work on my speed,” he said. “As a footballer, you don’t have to be a 100m sprinter, but a good start definitely helps. I’m constantly trying to improve my timing in certain situations. I often act on instinct, but some things just take practice.
“There used to be situations I wanted to anticipate, but sometimes I started too early, and sometimes too late. It’s slowly getting better. That’s especially key against fast and skilful strikers. If I know I can’t catch my opponent, it can sometimes help if I take a step forward so he’s offside.”
