Watford midfielder, Oghenekharo Etebo, says he is devastated and shocked to have suffered what he described as his longest injury lay off.
Etebo picked up the injury in October when he tore his quad muscle during Watford’s English Premier League game against Newcastle.
The 25-year-old replaced compatriot Emmanuel Dennis in the 75th minute of the game, which ended 1-1, before picking up the injury towards the end of the game.
The Hornets announced on their website that the midfielder was expected to be out for between four to five months, which ruled out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month.
Speaking on the club’s website, Etebo said he hoped to be back to training soon but added he was shocked to have suffered the long injury layoff.
“Everything is going fine, the club are really helping and the rehab is going fine, this week marks three months. I’m looking forward to getting back fit and strong.
“Depending on the medical staff, in four weeks I’m going to be back training with the squad, but that’s not full training. My major concern is to make sure I’m better and stronger, and fitter to go again, that’s my priority for now.
“It’s not been easy but I need to stay positive, the worst part is the last phase. Right now I just want to be on the pitch, involved in every training session, but to be honest, I’m not that fit, I just need to make sure I listen to the medical staff. Imagine coming in every day doing the same thing, the same sessions.
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“The most important thing is to be positive, every session and programme, I need to do the right and follow the procedures. Everyone has been amazing, the lads, the gaffer gave me words of encouragement so I’m looking forward to joining my teammates on the pitch. I’m not in a hurry, I want to make sure when I’m back, I’m back with full strength and full power, and everything is good to go.
“This one was quite shocking for me because in my football career this is the longest-term injury I’ve had. But that’s football, there’s nothing you can do.”
Etebo joined Watford on loan from Championship side Stoke City in the summer, with an option to buy at the end of the season.
He had earlier had loan spells at LaLiga side Getafe and Turkish side Galatasaray.