Kevin Nisbet sends message to fans as Hibs striker undergoes surgery on ACL injury

Kevin Nisbet has vowed to come back from injury ‘stronger and better than ever’ after undergoing surgery in London.

The Scotland internationalist travelled to England earlier this week after sustaining damage to his ACL during the goalless draw with Celtic.

But Nisbet, who wrote on social media that the operation had been a success, is already fully focused on making a comeback for both club and country.

With Scotland hoping to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the forward has an outside chance of featuring if his recovery progresses well.

Kevin Nisbet has vowed to come back better and stronger for both Hibs and Scotland

Writing on Instagram, the 24-year-old said: “Just returning from London where top knee specialist Andy Williams operated on my left knee.

"He’s delighted with the way the op went and is sure I’ll be back stronger and better than ever. I’d like to thank him and his team for looking after me so well and also Hibs for acting so quickly.

"It’s a massive disappointment that I won’t be able to help the manager and my team-mates in the final matches of this season but I know they’ll do everything possible to make sure our fans have something to celebrate.

"I’m in a bit of pain, which is to be expected, but I’m already focused on what needs to be done during rehabilitation. I can assure everyone that I will be back as quickly as possible and ready to do my best for both Hibs and Scotland.”

Manager Shaun Maloney added: "Kevin got surgery yesterday in London, it went very well. Unfortunately it was an ACL injury so he will be out seven to nine months.

"But he is still very motivated. If, and I think we are all hoping Scotland qualify for the World Cup, then he can still make that squad.

"He is very motivated to come back a better player and there is no reason that he can't come back and be the best striker in the league.

"There is a lot of work to do. It is a lonely journey but we will be there every step of the way for him.

"He has to be very motivated to come back as the best striker in the league, and achieve something with the national team and there is absolutely no reason he can't do that."

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