Marko Pjaca makes return after 319 days out

Marko Pjaca (Photo: HNS)

15 January 2020 – Good news for Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic as Juventus attacker Marko Pjaca (24) returned to action after almost a year out through injury.

Pjaca came on late during Juventus’ 4-0 win over Udinese in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday to cap off his recovery from a second serious injury. The last time the Croatian international played was 319 days ago when he came off the bench for Fiorentina against Atalanta.

Pjaca injured his left knee whilst training with Fiorentina were he was on loan back in March, 2019. After a scan, it was revealed that the attacker had ruptured the ligament in his left knee.

He was forced to undergo surgery and had his second lengthy stint on the sidelines in rehabilitation. The former Dinamo Zagreb star tore his anterior cruciate ligament back in March 2017 whilst playing for Croatia against Estonia and was out for over 6 months after having surgery.

Pjaca was stretchered off against Estonia in an international friendly in Tallinn in 2017 (Photo: HNS)

The injury came as a big blow to his career as he had just burst on to the international scene at Euro 2016 with some impressive performances off the bench. 

Pjaca did not take any part in Croatia’s Euro 2020 qualifying campaign but he will be hoping to get more game time to come into connection to be named in the squad for Euro 2020. 

“I encouraged him, wished him a successful operation and then maximum recovery, with the deep faith that we would see him again in the Croatian national team shirt. Marko has character, strength, and patience, and we will be with him throughout his recovery,” said Dalić after he was injured last March. 

Pjaca has won 23 caps for Croatia and has scored one goal.