Andros Townsend has revealed when he expects to return to Everton training as he continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered last season.
The 31-year-old joined the Blues on a free transfer during the 2021 summer transfer window and quickly settled into his new surroundings with a strong start to the campaign, including an incredible goal against Burnley and an important strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, his season was ended early in the club's FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in March.
Townsend suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which forced him off in the first half of the game against his former club and has been on the road to recovery since. The winger stayed around the first-team squad throughout the back end of 2021/22 and throughout the summer as he went through his rehabilitation alone.
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The former Tottenham and Crystal Palace man spent time in Doha during the summer receiving treatment at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital. However, Evertonians might still need to wait a little while to see him back on the pitch.
Although he has upped his rehabilitation work in recent months, the England international has explained he doesn't expect to return to training until after the World Cup.
“Very long time. Seven months now and hopefully the end is near,” he told the Everton Live pre-match show.
“The original plan was after the World Cup break to try and join back in training. I would like to think I am on schedule for that, but there are so many bumps in the road to come. Hopefully I don’t have any more setbacks and I can re-join after the World Cup break.”
Townsend added: “The aim as well is to come back and play. To try and improve every aspect of my game. My physique, which I have been working on in the gym during the seven months I’ve been out.”
Townsend also opened up on the 'terrible' ordeal he was forced to endure as he watched his side battle against relegation and cope with the pain of his injury last season.
“Yeah, it was terrible. Just after the injury I was in so much pain, I could hardly walk,” he revealed. “It was backs against the wall. We was in a relegation battle and I couldn’t help."
Before he added: “Football is such a stressful game. Whether you are in the team or out of the team, it is stressful. You can never really enjoy being in the moment.
“When I go to bed at night I am dreaming about pulling on the blue shirt again and scoring in front of the home crowd and celebrating with my family as I have in the past.
“That is really what is keeping me going at the minute and hopefully at some point in the new year I can relive that moment again.”
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