Boss Roy Keane says Argentinian midfielder Luciano Civelli is still expected to be fit enough to make his long-awaited return in pre-season. The 23-year-old has been out of action since March 2009 with a serious knee ligament injury and is currently back in Argentina recuperating.

Keane said: “Please God the plan is that Luca will be back here pre-season. He seemed in good spirits [when he was back at the club for minor surgery last month], he’s obviously happy in that environment.

“He keeps in touch with our medical staff by email and I think one or two are due to fly out to see him. I might even go myself, to be honest with you, I wouldn’t mind a trip to Argentina! I know one or two people over there, so it would be nice to catch up with them!”

Civelli joined the Blues from Argentinian club Banfield in January 2009 for £1.1 million, making eight appearances before suffering his injury.

Photo: Action Images

aejb added 13:08 - Apr 17 I hope Roy does. I think he is very fair in giving him a chance he could so easly have just binned Luca by now as he is still unproven for us. However i think his cahnces are slim as at the age of 23 to come back from such a savage injury will be hard for him. Anyone else going to Newcastle next week for the night out/ women oh and the football?
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dirtydingusmagee added 13:16 - Apr 17 Good that he is almost fit again ,hope it all comes good for him again .It certainly wont be easy to come back to the level required but fingers crossed for him .
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pottyblue added 13:28 - Apr 17 got a lot of potential i hope he comes good,good to see roy going to see him ,good for lucianos to feel wanted
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Blueknight85 added 13:54 - Apr 17 if Roy goes i reckon he will be bringing a striker back with him part of Luco's deal allowing him to go home was to be a secret scout ;) ;)
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Mark added 14:12 - Apr 17 After being out so long, Civelli is written off in my mind so if he does make a comeback it would be a big big bonus. We certainly do need a decent player on the left. Best of luck Luciano.
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byronitfc added 14:17 - Apr 17 He's my friend on facebook strangely enough and he's always online? haha
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Harry_Palmer added 14:26 - Apr 17 eajb what are you on about ? hard to come back at the age of 23 ? Whats the age limit for recovery from a bad knee injury then 17 ? And why exactly would Roy bin a player that is under contract and cost us an investment of 1.1million. Maybe engage brain a little before you type eh?
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PimsNumber1 added 18:27 - Apr 17 When is his contract up ? Hope he comes back as good as before because he looked a decent player.
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aejb added 18:34 - Apr 17 Harry_ Palmer. Shut up you aggressive inbred little man
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Harry_Palmer added 23:53 - Apr 17 ahhh bless, dont you like being made to look silly. Perhaps you can join the big boys and post on the forum as well soon.
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MackemReserves added 10:27 - Apr 19 I think he will come back and be as good as he was before. The fact that he was slow anyway is a good thing as he didn't rely on his pace as a player and that's one of the things this type of injury can affect. If he only has one working leg he will still be better than Martin anyway!
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bennyblue added 11:11 - Apr 19 aggro lot tonight thats what keane has done too the club
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fredbarber added 19:27 - Apr 19 Phil any ideas on when pre season games will be announced?? A couple of decent away games followed by celtic at home would do me
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