Kevin Nisbet has revealed he’s three months away from a return to action at best.
The Hibs striker has been out since february after suffering a serious knee injury against Celtic. The Scotland international went down during the first half of the goalless draw at Easter Road after Carl Starfelt clumsily clattered through the back of him and the challenge resulted in Nisbet being helped off.
Scans revealed that Nisbet had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments as well as tearing his meniscus. The injury required surgery and he was expected to be sidelined for up to nine months. That came as a bitter blow to former boss Shaun Maloney, who was sacked after just four months in charge of the Hibees after having to make do without Nisbet. Christian Doidge was also missing, and Maloney was forced to rely on teenage Norwegian striker Elias Melkersen to lead the line for him.
But after having his operation and working hard in the gym, Nisbet hopes to be back in action by October. However, he stressed that was a best case scenario and it might be a bit longer before fans see him in green and white again.
“It’s one of those injuries where you just need to take it week by week really,” he said. “I’m four-and-a-half months in now, so hopefully another three-and-a-bit to go then get myself back on the park. It was an ACL injury with a meniscus tear as well. It was obviously hard to take at the time. The first three months were really hard until I saw the surgeon and he gave me the all clear. Since then I’ve been doing a lot more stuff in the gym and started getting out on the park as well, which is good.
“It’s good for the head as well because it’s a bit soul destroying being in the gym yourself. But it’s something you need to do. I’ve put in the hard work and it’s starting to pay off now. It’s really tough. It's hard seeing the boys at training and having a laugh, playing games while you’re stuck in the gym doing the same stuff over and over, day in, day out. It builds character as well though, in the head and how to deal with situations. I think it will stand me in good stead.
“I don’t really get injured much. I haven’t missed a lot of games since I’ve been with Hibs, maybe a couple of weeks here and there but not anything too strenuous. Having this injury is an eye-opener for me. You appreciate football a lot more.”
Nisbet has talked with Lee Johnson since the former Hearts midfielder replaced Shaun Maloney in the hot seat. He’s reassured the frontman that he’s still very much in his thoughts as he reshapes the squad he inherited down Leith way.
“We’ve had conversations,” Nisbet told Sky Sports.” I’m still well in his plans. We’ve spoken about how I can improve my game as well. But for me, it’s about getting myself back as quick as possible. I’m in a really good place physically and mentally to do that.”
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