Marko grujic (PA Images)

Marko Grujic suffers latest setback in bittersweet loan spell at Hertha Berlin

Marko Grujic has suffered another ankle injury on loan at Hertha Berlin, just days after being labelled the club’s best midfielder in two decades.

The Serbian joined Pal Dardai’s side on a season-long loan after signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool in August, and has been in excellent form since moving to the Bundesliga.

His best moment so far came in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, heading home to seal the result with his first competitive goal since Cardiff City’s 2-1 victory over Barnsley in March.

Speaking after that game, Dardai labelled Grujic as “the best midfielder we have had in the last 20 years,” while Fabian Lustenberger explained how the midfielder’s team-mates “are glad that he is fit with us and again.”

This came after a lengthy spell out with ankle ligament damage from September, missing eight games and only making his return at the end of last month.

Unfortunately, the 22-year-old will now miss the last three games of the year after suffering an injury to his other ankle in training on Tuesday.

Fussball, Herren, 1. Bundesliga, Saison 2018/19, 14. Spieltag, Hertha BSC - Eintracht Frankfurt, Jubel nach dem Tor zum 1:0 durch Marko Grujic (Nr. 15, Hertha BSC), 08.12.18, DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO, *** Football Men 1 Bundesliga Season 2018 19 14 Matchday Hertha BSC Eintracht Frankfurt Jubilation after the goal to 1 0 by Marko Grujic Nr 15 Hertha BSC 08 12 18 DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND OR QUASI VIDEO.

Dardai described the session as having “a lot of healthy aggression” and “a lot of passion,” leading to a strong challenge from Vlad Darida that saw Grujic forced off before the end.

Now, the club have confirmed he sustained another blow to his ankle ligament, and will be sidelined until at least January.

Hertha play VfB Stuttgart (Dec 15), Augsburg (Dec 18) and Bayer Leverkusen (Dec 22) before the Bundesliga takes its winter break.

They seem optimistic he will be able to make his comeback by the time Nurnberg arrive at the Olympiastadion on January 20, though there is no defined return date for Grujic at this stage.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments