Everton's Ben Godfrey is relishing his return after "the hardest period" of his career to date due to an injury picked up on the opening day of the season.
Godfrey fractured his fibula just 10 minutes into Everton's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Goodison Park but returned to complete his first 90 minutes of action in the Under-21s 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the Papa John's Trophy last week.
Speaking to The Press in his home city of York, Godfrey said: "It's been a tough journey. It's probably been the hardest period of my career so far in terms of an injury.
READ MORE: Big Everton issue that Farhad Moshiri and fan groups can agree on as ownership question remains
"I've been really fortunate throughout my career that most of the injuries I've had have been short term. A few weeks at most with muscle strains, that sort of thing, never anything too long.
"When you're playing week in, week out and that gets taken away from you, it's mentally so difficult to adapt to that. You just miss that feeling of competing on a Saturday.
"When it gets taken away, it's a massive shock to the system. I've tried to stay as positive as possible and seeing bits of progress with the injury as little wins.
"It changed my outlook and I'm so appreciative of being back fit. It's something that I'll never take for granted.
"It's nice to be on the other side of it now and feeling strong and ready to go."
Godfrey, who played 36 games for Everton in the 2020/21 campaign after signing from Norwich City and then a further 27 matches last season, insists he won't compromise his tough-tackling style after his spell on the sidelines. He said: "It all stemmed from a wayward back-pass of mine.
"I made a misplaced pass to Jordan ( Pickford ) and I ran back to clean it up. (Kai) Havertz took a heavy touch and I slid in to fix the mess and I've landed awkwardly and he's landed on me.
"It was one of those things in football, it's a contact sport and it can happen to anyone at any time. I've been in hundreds of thousands of tackles and come out fine. It's just part of the game.
"I've promised myself that I'd never change that side of my game and this injury won't change that either.
"In sport, you've got to understand that freak accidents can happen. It's massively important that you don't let it impact on your mindset and it won't do that to me."
In Godfrey's absence, summer signings James Tarkowski and Conor Coady have struck up a regular partnership at the heart of Everton's defence and with the pair having hardly missed a Premier League game between them in several years, the path back into the side might look difficult unless manager Frank Lampard reverts to a three-at-the-back system.
Michael Keane, who was once a regular alongside Godfrey in defence, looks set for a potential loan move in the January transfer window but there could be an opportunity on Boxing Day when bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers come to Goodison Park given on-loan Coady is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Godfrey said: "When the injury happened, I heard and felt it happen. Your body just goes into shock.
"You know that you've done it without feeling too much of the pain straightaway. It's a weird feeling. Instantly I thought it would be a six-month to a year recovery period.
"To be out for three months, it turns out that it's not the worst injury in terms of recovery time. I can't really complain, it could have been a lot worse.
"Wolves is definitely the fixture I've got my eyes on. It's an important game for us and I'm excited to hopefully be involved.
"I'm ready to go, I've done everything I can to be fit, so I'm really looking forward to it."
READ NEXT:
Everton 'set to make' Jarrad Branthwaite decision amid Jose Mourinho 'interest'
Everton new stadium major developments continue as target date on horizon
Alex Iwobi sends clear Frank Lampard message to Everton fans and lifts lid on dressing room stance
Everton not affected by hummel issue as Coventry City mull major decision
Everton fan group send open letter to Farhad Moshiri demanding change and answers
