Charlton Athletic midfielder Jonny Williams has said his recent spell on the sidelines has been "frustrating" ahead of this Saturday's upcoming league game against Preston North End at Deepdale.
The 26-year-old has missed the last fourteen Championship matches with a knee injury that was sustained in Charlton's 3-0 win against Derby County in October.
Williams had to undergo surgery on his knee as a result of the issue, ruling him out for over two months.
However, the Wales international has returned to first-team training this month and should take his place on the bench for the second matchday in succession this Saturday against Preston.
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Speaking to London News Online, the midfielder talked at length about his thought process while he was out injured, stating that it was just one of those things that happens on a football pitch.
“The injury was frustrating but the only good thing was that I couldn’t really blame myself this time," the 26-year-old said.
"I’ve watched the video of it a few times. I made the tackle, won the ball and then it was just a clash of knees. It was nobody’s fault, just one of those freak things."
Williams will travel with the Charlton squad to Lancashire, but it is likely that the midfielder will just be limited to a short cameo appearance. He acknowledges that he cannot rush things.
“It takes a bit of time after you have been out so long. I’ve got to be realistic, I’m still not fully at it yet – that only comes with games," he added.
Williams has made a total of thirteen league appearances for the Addicks this season, with five assists to his name.
The Verdict
It is a welcome relief for Charlton that Jonny Williams is back amongst the squad again after a lengthy period out with injury, and Lee Bowyer will be hoping the 26-year-old can come through the next couple of weeks without any setbacks.
Williams has been a key cog in the Charlton machine this season, and his creativity in midfield has been missed since his injury.
He definitely will not be able to start this weekend for the Addicks, but it will be a good feeling for him just to be back out on the football pitch once again.