Can Injured ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Heather Morris Still Win Season 24?

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Heather Morris came out swinging on Season 24 of “Dancing With the Stars.” Their stride broke ahead of Week 2, when the professional dancer injured his calf.

Maks was hopeful that his injury would be a quick fix, but has had to have surgery. Now, he’s determined to get back to the “DWTS” ballroom. During an appearance on “Good Morning America” on Friday, he joined Heather via video call to share a hopeful message.

“I still feel like we have a chance,” he said. “You deserve it and I want to give you 150 percent effort and be physically active as I was at my best when nothing hurt. I want to come back and win.”

Maks didn’t comment further on his injury, but sources have said it’s pretty serious. On Friday, ET Online reported it would be awhile before he returned to “DWTS.” Doctors were fearful that Maks would try to push himself too hard and want him sidelined for at least a month.

“He told everyone he will be back in a couple of weeks but that isn’t true, it’s a lot worse than everyone initially thought,” the anonymous source said. “Doctors are insisting that Maks sit out for at least a month, but knowing Maks he will try and rush it and get back into the competition.”

While he heals, “DWTS” troupe member Alan Bersten has taken his place as the pro half of Team Maksimum Heat. He and Heather made their Season 24 debut in Week 2. They performed a jive that some of the judges didn’t love and are already working on something fun for Vegas Week.

Maks has shared several updates with fans throughout his recovery process. On Thursday he posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed in Ohio. He told fans he was “gettin’ unbroken.”

Maks and Heather’s chances of winning “DWTS” haven’t completely dwindled, but the competition is stiff. Ten other teams remain on the show. Team Valmani, Team Shad Squad, Team Golden Giggles, Team Pretty Xxpensive, Team Blades of Glory, Team Denim and Diamonds and Team Maksimum Heat are the current favorites.

Who will be the next team eliminated? Tune in to “DWTS” Week 3 Monday at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.