Norwich City have confirmed that Ante Crnac has successfully undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a significant setback for the club as they navigate a difficult season. The young forward's absence will be felt keenly, particularly as the team grapples with their current position in the Championship.
Crnac, 21, sustained the injury during Norwich's narrow 1-0 defeat to Derby County, a match that highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the squad. His contributions have been vital, having featured in all of Norwich's first 11 fixtures this season. Since joining the club in the summer of 2024, he has made a notable impact, playing in 38 league matches and scoring seven goals, along with four assists during his debut campaign. Read more about Norwich City Halts Carrow Road Plans Amid Fan Outcry.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Crnac reflected on the challenging days leading up to his surgery, describing them as some of the toughest in his career. He expressed gratitude towards his medical team, particularly Dr. Andy Williams, and acknowledged the unwavering support from his family and friends. "The past few days have been some of the hardest in my career, but I'm thankful that my ACL surgery went well," Crnac wrote. "Every setback is a lesson, and I believe this journey will make me stronger. I'll be back soon, with even more hunger and determination. See y'all on the pitch soon." Read more about Steer Retires: Norwich Academy Product Hangs Up Gloves.
Support for Crnac has poured in from his teammates, with Jack Wilshere, who coached him last season, sending his best wishes: "Get well soon, Antre." Borja Sainz, a former teammate, also took to social media to show his support, using emojis to convey the strong camaraderie within the squad.
Currently, Norwich City find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 23rd in the Championship and two points adrift of safety after 12 matches. The loss of Crnac presents a significant challenge for manager Liam Manning, who will need to rally his players ahead of their crucial home match against Hull City on Saturday at 12:30 PM.
Crnac’s situation underscores the strong bonds formed during his time at Norwich, highlighting the collective resilience required as the club faces this turbulent period. As the team looks to turn their fortunes around, the hope is that Crnac’s determination to recover will inspire his teammates during this challenging phase.