In a clear indication that the supremely gifted 20-year-old is on course for a swift comeback, the attacker was on Tuesday given the green light to return to light training as he steps up his rehabilitation at Celtic’s Lennoxtown base on the fringes of Glasgow.
He won’t play again this season - as anticipated - but to be this far progressed in his recovery from an injury expected to rub him out for nine months is a boost for Australia’s most lauded youngster, and also for new Bhoys boss Neil Lennon.
With the first round of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup due to begin in September, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold - a huge Arzani advocate - will also be gratified by his rapid rehab results.
Arzani was cruelly cut down after taking an awkward tumble just 22 minutes into his Hoops debut back in October, having joined the SPL giant on a two-season loan from parent club Manchester City.
The extent of the damage was confirmed by MRI scans and City boss Pep Guardiola ordered him to be flown to Spain to be treated by famed surgeon Ramon Cugat.
Though full training with the rest of the squad may be a way off yet, Arzani - if his current trajectory persists - is comfortably on course to be fit for the start of the new SPL season in August.
He arrived at the club after showing glimpses of his promise playing for Australia at the World Cup in Russia.
But it took time for the former Melbourne City magician to convince former Celtic Park boss Brendan Rodgers he was ready for his debut.
Arzani refused to let the setback affect him, telling The World Game in January - during a brief break with his family in Sydney - that he would return in pristine shape.
“I’m having the best treatment and have been looked after really well with the rehab so far,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back stronger and better.
“I’ll get this done and make sure I do it properly because I’ve got to ensures it’s not something that hurts me in the future.
“It took me about two-and-a-half months to build up to where I was before the injury, in terms of getting my fitness right, getting my head right and starting to play.
“I was in a really good place. Now it’s just about getting back to where I was before and kicking on from there.”
