Former Middlesbrough transfer target Neven Subotic nears injury return but looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund
SERBIAN defender back in training after failed Boro medical discovered serious rib problem
NEVEN SUBOTIC is close to full fitness following the collapse of his summer move to Middlesbrough due to injury.
The Borussia Dortmund centre-back was on the verge of completing a shock move to Aitor Karanka’s side in July before a medical discovered a serious rib injury that scuppered the £10million deal.
Serbian Subotic has immediately had an operation on the problem, and he has revealed he is back in light training as he nears a return to match action.
But any comeback is unlikely to be with the Bundesliga side.
Subotic said: "I'm super. I'm in training and have targeted endurance and leg strength.
"I am very confident that I'll return in October to the squad. And then with great momentum, I have been fully in individual training since mid-August.
"I am still a player of Borussia Dortmund. My situation does not correspond to the ideal situation for me or for (the club).”
Speaking to Focus Online, Subotic added: “I would not waste a second and give everything in order as quickly as possible to be in top form and back on the pitch.
"I have had conversations with coach Thomas Tuchel and manager Michael Zorc and it became clear that I and Dortmund have no future anymore."
Subotic looked set to move to the Premier League as he arrived in Teesside and agreed terms at Boro two months ago.
The surprise deal was scuppered, however, when the club’s routine medical checks discovered the serious issue with his ribs.
Subotic also missed the end of last season after suffering from deep vein thrombosis in his arm.