Saidy Janko speaks out on his road to recovery

Saidy Janko’s recovery from a serious knee injury for the last for five months has meant some fans have even forgotten about him due to his long-term absence.

The 20-year-old is almost fully fit again after suffering the injury in October and is eager to get back on the field again since his return to training nearly two weeks ago.

As quoted by Celtic’s official website, he said:

I just love being back on the pitch, even if I’m just running. It was the hardest four or five months in my life. I’ve never been seriously injured before so when you come back you really appreciate the football.

Janko joined Celtic during the summer on a free transfer after Manchester United decided against renewing the youngsters contract, despite impressing fans who watched the Under-21 side.

Instead he made the move north to Celtic and caught the eye of fans early on with his blistering pace down the right wing from right-back.

He three assists in nine appearances in the Hoops jersey during his first two months, and looked to be a competent back-up to the experienced Mikael Lustig.

As the recovery process nears the end, the Swiss Under-21 international is keen to get back on the field and pick up where he left off for Celtic.

The relief of getting back out is unbelievable. You can’t replace that feeling. There have been players out for a lot longer than me and I couldn’t imagine what it’d be like for them. Injury is the worst for a player but I’m so glad to be coming back.
I just want to join back in with training but the fitness coaches need to hold me back and tell me to be patient and relax. I’d play on Saturday if it was my choice but it takes some time to get back fit.

With Mikael Lustig struggling with niggling injuries in recent months, Janko’s return will hopefully bring a sigh of relief to Ronny Deila and the 29-year-old Swede over the coming months.