Odin Holm has revealed he has undergone surgery in the hope of finally putting an injury nightmare behind him after a rare condition left him feeling “half paralysed” during his time on loan in Major League Soccer.
The Celtic midfielder, now on loan at Norwegian side Vålerenga, has been battling compartment syndrome, a condition that causes increased pressure within muscles, restricting blood flow and making physical activity extremely difficult.
Holm was regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders when Brendan Rodgers brought him to Celtic, but the now 23-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Glasgow.
After a difficult loan spell with LAFC, he returned to Celtic during the winter before immediately joining Vålerenga on loan for the remainder of the season, despite continuing to manage the condition.
Now, Holm has confirmed he has finally undergone surgery and is optimistic it will allow him to get his career back on track.
Speaking to Norwegian media, he said:
“I finally got it operated on and it feels really good.
“I’m a little more optimistic after talking to some people who have been through the same thing and got better.
“So I’ll just keep my fingers crossed.”
Holm also revealed surgery had been discussed for some time, but Celtic initially preferred a more conservative approach before eventually agreeing an operation was the best solution.
“An operation was talked about for a long time, but Celtic wanted to go in a more conservative direction without it having any effect, so it ended up with surgery.
“It’s good to come to a place where they have understanding and knowledge of the damage, so we can get it sorted out.”
Despite his setbacks over the past two years, Holm insists he has never lost belief that he can still fulfil his potential.
“I haven’t played that much football, so I’ve learned how to get through tough times. That’s an extra part of my experience too.
“I think I have a future playing football. As long as my legs are okay now, there’s nothing holding me back.” [TCW]
Holm made a handful of appearances after returning to Norway but has not featured since May before undergoing the operation.
The midfielder still has two years remaining on his Celtic contract, leaving plenty of time to prove he can still have a future at the club if he can return to full fitness.
For now, though, the priority is simply getting back on the pitch. After enduring months of frustration with a condition that severely hampered his performances, everyone associated with Celtic will hope the surgery proves successful and allows Holm to finally restart a career that once promised so much.
