Four months on from knee surgery, we caught up with Matty Doyle to discuss how his rehab is progressing.
The young centre-back damaged his anterior crucial ligament in our U18s’ 2-0 victory at Wigan Athletic back in March, but is now back out running on the grass as he continues his recovery.
“It’s feeling great now – smooth,” began Doyle. “It’s not as stiff anymore and it’s all going well, really.
“I feel a little pain and some stiffness, but it all helps when I’m doing some of the mechanics and lateral movements, I know it’s going to help me. I get past that first pain barrier and it’s all fine after that.”
For the 17-year-old, it is another milestone ticked off as he works his way back to fitness, having previously been on our AlterG treadmill.
The anti-gravity device allows injured players to walk and run at less than their own body weight, enabling them to familiarise themselves with mobility techniques before returning to the grass.
“It was a great feeling and it’s just another way to motivate myself, knowing that I can go outside and get onto the next steps,” he continued.
“It’s gone a lot faster since I’ve been outside running. On the AlterG, you feel limited like you can’t run properly – smaller strides – but when you’re outside you feel freer and a lot smoother.”
As well as cardio outside, Doyle is continuing to build strength in the muscles around his knee by working hard in the gym.
He is confident that he is on course with his recovery and is taking it one step at a time.
“I’ve got a lot stronger, and the knee is catching up to my right, definitely,” insisted the youngster. “All of my tests are getting up, and I’m doing them every month or two, and everything is going well.
“I feel like I’m on track. Obviously, I want to get back as soon as possible, but there’s no rush – I’ve got another five months. It’s all going to plan at the moment.”
