Encouraging news for Socceroo Kruse

Socceroo attacker Robbie Kruse is taking small steps on his long road to recovery from an injured ankle.

In exciting news for Socceroos fans and coach Ange Postecoglou, Kruse has posted a video on his Instagram showing him walking using rehab equipment at Bayer Leverkusen's headquarters.

 

 

Great to see Robbie Kruse taking some big steps in his rehab program. #gosocceroos

A video posted by The Socceroos (@socceroos) on

It’s the first step towards Kruse getting back on the pitch before the end of the Bundesliga season and in time for June’s World Cup qualifiers.

Kruse ruptured ankle ligaments in the 2-1 win over Korea Republic final of January’s Asian Cup which required surgery in February.

It was a cruel blow for the 26-year-old, who looked to be back to his best form since rupturing his ACL in January of last year.

Before Leverkusen’s home match with Hamburger SV on the weekend, Kruse and Korea Republic’s Heung-Min Son were both honoured by the club for their exploits at the Asian Cup.

Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade and sporting director Rudi Voeller presented the pair with commemorative plaques to celebrate their performances at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Tom Rogic’s return to action may have hit a setback after he was forced off in the first half of Celtic Development side’s 2-1 win over St Johnstone on Tuesday morning (AEST).

Back on the pitch last week after a long injury lay-off, Rogic lasted 32 minutes before he had to be substituted.