West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell has revealed that he is progressing well in his rehabilitation from injury but is not rushing his return to training.
The left-back suffered a sickening injury in pre-season and is still set to miss a number of months of competitive action for the Hammers.
Arthur Masuaku has been signed from Olympiakos to provide cover for the former Ipswich Town full-back and although the Frenchman has impressed to date, Cresswell’s absence has still been felt.
Plenty of the West Ham fans have been calling out for the attack-minded wideman to be included in the England squad after consistent performances in east London.
The appointment of former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce as Three Lions coach may give Cresswell more of an opportunity internationally, but the defender is currently more focussed on his return to fitness.
He stated that slow and steady was the best approach to avoid any setbacks along his rehabilitation path.
“The main thing is that the knee is healing properly and that I don’t rush back and have to start again. I can’t cut corners and I’m working with the physio,” Cresswell told the club’s official website.
“I’m certainly not rushing things and I’ve seen a specialist and he’s happy with the way things are working out and I’m certainly happy.
“No matter if it’s a couple of weeks or however long it is, it’s about getting it right. I’m prepared to put in the hard work and the rewards are at the end of it.
“I’m trying to get fitter and stronger and ready for the Premier League. To miss the opening game was very frustrating for me but in a way it’s a good thing because it’s something brilliant to come back for. Hopefully I can get the knee right and come back fitter and stronger. I went to see the ground at the back end of last season and straight away, there was a wow factor.
“It’s gutting to play all the games over the last two seasons and that last game at the Boleyn and then to miss the opening games against Juventus and Bournemouth.
“But, that’s part and parcel of football and I’ve got to learn to deal with it and get on with it.”
