The young Tottenham Hotspur defender has picked up an unfortunately-timed injury during a big season to remember in the Bundesliga
Any fears over Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic's knee injury have been played down and he is expected to return within weeks, according to reports from his native Croatia.
The 19-year-old, who is yet to play a competitive match for the north London side, has dazzled in the Bundesliga this season with his performances in the centre of Hamburg's defence. Vuskovic has played 27 matches for the German side, scoring five times and providing one assist while winning various awards along the way.
However, the Spurs teenager has missed the past two matches with a knock to his knee picked up in training on April 7 and HSV have gone from conceding 13 goals in 11 games with him in the backline to conceding seven across the two defeats at Stuttgart and Werder Bremen.
German media outlet Bild reported this week that the joint in his knee is "more severely damaged" than originally thought and the youngster has not been able to do any individual rehabilitation work on the grass with a comeback against Hoffenheim this Saturday night in Hamburg doubtful.
However, Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti has now played down any concerns about Vuskovic's knee and claimed he would likely have had a break around now after a long tough season anyway due to his age and the prospect of playing at the World Cup with Croatia to come.
A slight ligament strain was diagnosed in his knee after that training knock and with dialogue between Spurs and HSV, it was agreed to rest the centre-back for three or four matches before he returns for the final couple of games of the campaign.
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That would mean returning for the penultimate match of the season against Freiburg on May 10 although the Croatian outlet also noted that with just five points between Hamburg and the relegation play-off spot, he might have to come back a little sooner if things continue to take a turn for the worse with the results.
Local Hamburg media Hamburger Abendblatt claim that the final decision will rest with Tottenham who they say inserted a clause in his loan deal that gives them the final say over when he can return from any injury.
Such clauses are commonplace in loan agreements, and the medical staff of both clubs are said to be in constant communication and evaluating the latest MRI scans before Spurs give him the green light to return.
The Croatian and German reports differ over whether Vuskovic is still feeling pain in his knee with those from his country suggesting he isn't, while the German ones say he is. Ultimately it will be Tottenham who make the final call on a player who looks set to become a star if he continues his current path of development.