Steven Gerrard is reluctant to put a date on Nikola Katic 's comeback as he admits the defender wants to be fit "yesterday".
The Rangers centre-back ruptured his cruciate ligament in pre-season and has embarked on a long road to recovery.
Doctors told the 24-year-old he could be out for anywhere between seven and 12 months.
But Katic's agent Ives Cakarun told Record Sport last month he was hopeful Katic his client would play a part in the Premiership title race.
But while the former Slaven Belupo centre-back has been busy building himself up in the gym - even releasing pictures showing off his new bulked-up physique on social media - Gerrard confessed it could still be some time yet before he was back in action.
And he even plans to allow the former Croatia Under-21 international to return to his homeland this week so he can spend the festive period with his loved ones.
Speaking after Saturday's 3-1 win over Motherwell, Gerrard said: "Yeah Niko's been throwing a bit of iron about. He certainly lifts a lot heavier than what I throw about, that's for sure.
"Niko is working as hard as he can. He's progressing as quick as he can but it's going to be a patient journey for him.
"Niko wants to be fit yesterday. That's the way he is, that's the way he's built.
"He's desperate to help. I had a chat with Niko yesterday. We're going to send him back to see his family over Christmas because he's over here alone.
"It's going to be a long patient one for him but we need to keep him involved as long as we can.
"It's very difficult to put a time on (his return) because you know and I know the injury he's suffered could be anything from seven to 12 months.
"You can't cut any corners on it unfortunately so we have to be patient on it."
