Socceroos coach Graham Arnold speaks about injured star Daniel Arzani

DANIEL Arzani could complete a portion of his lengthy rehab process back in Australia if Celtic and his parent club Manchester City deem it a viable move for the Australian winger.

Daniel Arzani is stretchered off after he tore his ACL playing for Celtic against Dundee. Picture: PA

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DANIEL Arzani could complete a portion of his lengthy rehab process back in Australia if Celtic and his parent club Manchester City deem it a viable move for the Australian winger.

As Socceroos coach Graham Arnold detailed the cruel nature of the 19-year-old’s ACL tear, it’s understood Football Federation Australia has offered support to Scottish giants Celtic and floated the benefits of their loanee being back near his family for at least some part of a customarily long and isolating recovery.

Arzani is set for a knee reconstruction in Barcelona under world-renowned knee surgeon Ramon Cugat, who has operated on City stars including Kevin de Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus, as well as manager Pep Guardiola during his playing days.

Daniel Arzani is stretchered off after he tore his ACL playing for Celtic against Dundee. Picture: PA

It’s then believed Celtic are keen to oversee at least the initial phase of his nine-to-12-month rehab, a set-up Arnold had full faith in.

“He’s got great care in Brendan Rodgers,” Arnold said.

“I spent a couple of days with Brendan and he’s such a caring person.

“I spoke to Daniel only a couple of nights ago and he’s off to Barcelona to get diagnosed by the doctor there.

“I know David Gallop has reached out to him as well. We’re there for him to rehab him, and if any way we can get him back here to help with that then we will.

“First and foremost on the human side of it, it’s a blow for the kid. His life is football, he’s in Scotland for football.”

Daniel Arzani in action for the Socceroos against Peru at the World Cup. Picture: AFP

At the very least, Arzani is ruled out of January’s Asian Cup though he could also potentially miss the start of World Cup qualifiers later next year depending on his prognosis.

“Obviously for us it’s a blow because Daniel showed great qualities at the World Cup and in the training camps,” Arnold said.

“But it gives other players an opportunity and we’ll make sure Daniel is well looked after.

“He’s always welcome in our dressing room of course, and in our culture.

“It’s a new culture we want to build around a family environment, and Daniel is part of our family. We will look after him in every way.”

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Originally published as Socceroos coach Graham Arnold speaks about injured star Daniel Arzani