Andros Townsend has revealed he is in the "best shape" he's ever been in as he continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament he suffered last season.
Townsend has been sidelined for five months after suffering a long-term injury during the FA Cup quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace in March, which resulted in the Blues losing 4-0.
The former Crystal Palace and Newcastle winger is currently in Qatar with members of the club's medical staff as he continues to build up his fitness ahead of making a return to the field later this season.
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Speaking to Evertonfc.com, Townsend opened up on his recovery progress thus far.
“It’s been nice to build myself back up again and try to get myself to a level I never was before,” said Townsend. “That’s been the only thing on my mind – how can I get back bigger, better and stronger?
“I’ve been working on strengthening my hamstrings and my calves. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been body-fat wise and weight-wise. Hopefully that stands me in good stead when I do return."
He added: "The next step is to try to reintegrate [into the first-team squad]. With an injury like this, it’s all about hitting markers. Your jumps need to be at a certain height, your quads at a certain strength.
“After hitting those marks, it’s about reintegrating, looking at when I can join in during a warm-up, do a passing drill… Then, of course, getting back to full training.
“I’m just over five months in now [to my rehabilitation plan] and there is still time to hit those markers and progress how I want, so I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
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