Liverpool colossus Marko Grujic will be sidelined for six weeks in a shattering blow days after being hailed by his manager as Hertha Berlin’s best midfielder in 20 years, according to James Pearce.
The Echo journalist tweeted an article on his personal Twitter account stating that the giant Serbian is set to be out until at least 20 January with ankle ligaments damaged in training on Tuesday.
Pearce reported that it was “cruel” on Grujic, who has only recently returned to full fitness after two months on the sidelines due to damage to his other ankle.
Cruel on Marko Grujic. Just days after being labelled as Hertha Berlin's best midfielder for 20 years, he's facing another spell on the sidelines. #LFC https://t.co/kXQWQWyT8N
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 12, 2018
OPINION
This is devastating for Grujic, who was on the receiving end this week of remarkable praise from Hertha manager Pal Dardai. He claimed the 6ft 3in Serbian (source: Transfermarkt) was in a league of his own when it comes to midfielders who have represented the Bundesliga’s sixth-placed club over the last two decades. “I’ve been at Hertha for 22 years,” he said, as quoted by the Echo. “This isn’t meant as an insult to anyone else, but Marko is by far the best midfielder I’ve seen in my time at the club.” For a first start, wow. That is an incredible comment from the manager of a club flying high in one of Europe’s elite leagues and should help sustain Grujic as he start his rehabilitation from yet another injury. Grujic has made only 14 appearances for Liverpool but there is a clear suggestion here that he has the ability to challenge for a first-team spot in the future at his parent club. He will certainly benefit from his time at Hertha and fingers crossed he returns to full fitness in the new year and gets the regular game time he needs at this key stage in his immensely promising career.