Michael Keane has revealed his willingness to return back challenging for a place in Everton's defence after suffering a hairline fracture of his skull which made him sideline for a week.
The Everton Centre-back Keane has resumed training at USM Finch Farm but is yet to be given the green light to join in with contact sessions.
Keane was injured after colliding with teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye as he courageously hurled himself at a ball into his box in the closing minutes of Everton’s game at Bournemouth last month.
Keane stated on his club website:
Now I am feeling alright in myself, it is an annoying one. My legs are fine and I feel like I can train and do everything, so it is a bit frustrating. I am running outside and feel fine. But you have to be careful not to do too much, too soon and aggravate it. It is one of those injures which, if you give it a little bit of time, will get better.
The more exercise you do and the more you push it, you could prolong your time out, so I have to be careful. I felt like I was getting back to my best and the level I know I can play. It has come at a bad time but a lot of players have to deal with injuries. I am no different. I will be fine and get over it.
I can’t have any contact yet, it takes three or four weeks minimum for the fracture to heal. I can’t head a ball in that time. While I can kick a ball and feel okay. I can’t fully join in training. But I have had to deal with it and I am working really hard to stay fit and get even fitter so I can come back stronger.
Competing in the air is something I really enjoy. I know I have the height for it and I am aggressive enough to go and win a lot of headers. It is something I have been doing well and this injury won’t stop me doing it in future.
