It’s been a tough few months for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.
The defender picked up a groin injury that ruled him out of Euro 2012 this summer, and as he was over coming that he damaged a metatarsal that further kept him on the sidelines.
Having not played a competitive game since May 6th it is understandable that the 22 year old was slightly anxious to get going again, and after weeks of training with the first team he got his chance, starting against Braga last night.
Happy to be back playing football, the defender spoke with ManUtd.Com about the struggle he faced:
“It was a really frustrating time for me, especially over the summer when I had to work hard while the lads were on pre-season, and then had a breakdown again.
“I had been looking at this period of October and November for being able to come back and make an impact. I’ve been able to train over this last week or so and I feel ready.”
With the Braga game under his belt, Smalling is looking to the future and hopes to stay injury free and get as many games under his belt as possible this season:
“I’m hoping I can stay away from injuries now because I think I’m due that. I had a clash of heads during the match but I was fine after about five minutes.
“I feel good after playing the game, so bring on Saturday.”