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Andros Townsend in constant battle with physio to push for Everton return
Everton winger Andros Townsend has revealed he is in a “constant battle” with the physios at Goodison Park as the 31-year-old pushes to return to action.
Townsend’s 2021/22 season was cut short after he suffered an ACL injury during Everton’s FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
The former Palace winger has revealed that he could return before the World Cup in November and is pushing the boundaries with the medical staff.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, [06:09, 20 September], Townsend said: “The minimum I’ve got is a month left and obviously the World Cup is in the middle of November, so obviously if I am being smart, I’ll wait till after the World Cup to make sure I’m right.
“Let’s see how things progress because if I am feeling right I could rejoin just before the World Cup but I’d like to think worst case I’ll be back after the World Cup.
“Every day for five months I’ve been trying to push boundaries and the physio has been pushing back against me and play by the rules, it’s been a constant battle the whole time and I am sure it will continue for a bit longer.”
Big return needed
The injury for Townsend came at completely the wrong time for the former Tottenham winger, with his career very much in the balance at Goodison Park, with his current deal reaching its conclusion next summer.
For the 31-year-old to stand any hope of playing for the club next season he will have to hit the ground running when he does return from his long injury layoff. Townsend’s quality is there for all to see and he will provide Frank Lampard with another option to use in attacking areas when he does return.
However, with Calcio Mercato reporting (8 September) that Everton could make a January move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, Townsend’s chances of making an impact at Goodison Park could be affected.
It makes sense for Townsend to aim to return after the World Cup in November to ensure that he won’t suffer another injury. The 31-year-old can ill-afford another setback at a stage in his career where opportunities could start to become limited.