---
title: "Rangers: Nikola Katic close to return"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-gers-ibrox-gerrard-nikola-katic-injury/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Features"
published: "2020-11-21T09:05:03Z"
modified: "2020-11-21T09:05:03Z"
---

# Rangers: Nikola Katic close to return

**Glasgow Rangers defender Nikola Katic’s agent Ives Cakarun has [told The Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nikola-katic-injury-boost-rangers-23036011) that the Croatian defender is targetting a January return from his serious cruciate ligament injury.**

### **Katic soon back in the fold**

Katic suffered that horrendous blow [during pre-season training](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53305593#:~:text=Nikola%20Katic%3A%20Rangers%20defender%20out%20for%20'foreseeable%20future'%20with%20injury,-6%20Jul&text=Rangers%20defender%20Nikola%20Katic%20is,according%20to%20the%20Ibrox%20club.), meaning he has [not played a minute of football](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nikola-katic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/422051) so far this term. As a result, the Gers were even forced to dip into the transfer market and sign Leon Balogun.

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However, it seems that he is ahead of schedule and could already be available at the start of next year. Cakarun explained:

> *“All is going well.*
>
> *“We hope Nikola will be ready for January. It was a big operation, cruciate ligaments and both meniscus.”*

### **Big boost for Gerrard**

This is no doubt a big boost for Steven Gerrard and indeed the whole of the Gers squad. The one-time Croatia international played 19 of the 54-time Scottish champions’ 29 games in the Premiership last term, whilst Gerrard called him [“outstanding”](https://theathletic.co.uk/1171726/2019/08/30/nikola-katic-the-man-with-the-magnetic-head-comes-of-age-as-rangers-qualify/) after the Gers’ 1-0 victory over Legia Warsaw last August. Since signing from Slaven Belupo, Katic’s stock at the club has continued to rise.

\[freshpress-poll id=”329809″\]

Of course, he will need to be bedded back into the side after coming back from such a long spell on the sidelines. Gerrard, though, will be delighted to have another centre-back option available as he heads into the business end of the campaign. Katic’s return will feel like a new signing has arrived at Ibrox, and he could give them that extra edge as they continue to target a first piece of major silverware since 2011.

***In other news, [former Gers boss believes Gerrard will regret not signing this international.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-fc-news/gers-ibrox-rangers-lyndon-dykes-qpr-transfer-alex-mcleish-gerrard/)***