While teammates have enjoyed a week off, Ivan Franjic has been working hard with Henrique to overcome injury.
The 23-year-old tore his left hamstring during the Roar-s third pre-season training game against Queensland State League side Sunshine Coast Fire in mid-June and since then has had to endure tough sessions with Brisbane Roar Head Physiotherapist Tim Oostenbroek, which has included running and gym work.
“The injury is healing a lot quicker than expected,” Franjic said.
“I-ve just started running at nearly 80 per cent and I should be back in three or four weeks.
“I start ball work next week so hopefully that will go well.”
While most of the Roar squad are enjoying a week-long break, Franjic has spent his days training alongside fellow injured player Henrique but said he-s being careful not to rush himself back to action and do more damage to his injury.
“I don-t have a set time frame for my recovery,” he said.
“Timmy doesn-t want me to rush things because things can go wrong when you do, so I-m just taking it day by day, week by week.
“I-ve been working hard in the gym, running, physio, doing extra sessions – which is all part of being injured to keep our fitness up and keep up with the rest of the boys.”
Not expected to return to full squad training until the beginning of August at the earliest, the attacking fullback said he-s using the frustration of watching from the sidelines to focus his own recovery.
“It-s hard watching the boys from the side, you just wish you were out there,” Franjic said.
“Especially because they-re playing so well, I just want to go out there and join them!
“It-s been a long pre-season but the boys have been travelling well, I-ve been watching training after I finish my training and they-re looking good.
“I think we-ll have another top year and hopefully challenge for another title.”
