Stefanovic won't rush back
Portsmouth skipper Dejan Stefanovic is in full training just seven weeks after surgery to correct a bone deformity in his ankle but will not be rushing manager Harry Redknapp to put him back in the team’s Barclays Premiership survival fight.
Centre-back Stefanovic, 31, was seeing his medical specialist today after rejoining the Pompey squad at their Eastleigh training base on Tuesday, and he said: “Not so long ago a lot of people were saying I was finished for the season.
“But I was always confident I would be back with the squad well before that. I’m seeing the specialist to find out what is going on with the ankle now, although everything yesterday was fine, no problem.
“I want to keep going now but I think Saturday against Arsenal is too soon for me to be coming back, especially as the lads have played well in winning the last two games.
“I will have a word with Harry and see what he needs from me but from now to the end of the season I am going to be available as an emergency player.
“If somebody is injured I can step in, no problem, but I hope the team will keep playing the same way as in the last two matches.”
Former Serbia international Stefanovic may be in for a pleasant surprise.
Boss Redknapp was impressed by his attitude of playing on despite the pain until surgery could be put off no longer.
Redknapp would like to have a fully-fit Stefanovic back at the heart of his rearguard as soon as possible.
Although he is unlikely to risk the tough-tackling, influential captain at home to Arsenal on Saturday, his comeback may not be far away.
Stefanovic added: “I had 10 days light training before getting back together with the group.
“Hopefully it is a boost because in our position we need every player to be ready.”
