Kranjcar injury fears played down

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 20 April 2009 )

English Premier League football News

Kranjcar injury fears played down
Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar may play again this season despite being stretchered off with an ankle injury in Saturday's 1-0 home win over Bolton.

Kranjcar, 24, was carried off after a 75th-minute challenge by Gavin McCann.

The Croatian, who had ankle surgery in August, will miss Wednesday's trip to Manchester United but an X-ray has revealed no fracture or serious damage.

"He is looking a lot better and we hope he will be back sooner rather than later," said Portsmouth boss Paul Hart.

"He is a quick healer, a boy with a strong and positive mental attitude, and that is a big boost for us because he is an integral part of our plans and has been doing well."

Kranjcar, who missed two months with his previous ankle injury and tore a groin muscle in January, will have a further scan later in the week but Portsmouth doctor Nigel Sellars is confident he will not be out for quite as long this time.

"It seems clear it is only soft tissue damage and hopefully not long term," he said.

Meanwhile, defender Younes Kaboul missed training on Monday, after he was substituted late on against Bolton with a thigh injury, and is doubtful for the trip to Old Trafford.
by bbcnews.