Harry Souttar is delighted to be back on the pitch as his recovery from a serious knee injury continues.
It was the second match back for Souttar in his road to recovery, with the towering Stoke City defender still hopeful of being fit in time to make the Subway Socceroos’ 26-man squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
The 24-year-old played 45 minutes against Nottingham Forrest U21 last week before increasing his load to 70 minutes against Sunderland U21.
Souttar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing for Australia during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Novmeber last year.
Speaking to Stoke City+ following the game against Sunderland U21, Souttar admitted he was thrilled with how he is tracking and felt fantastic to be out on the pitch.
“I think you can train as much as you want and do running sessions and stuff but there’s nothing quite like being back with the lads,” he said after the 3-2 defeat.
“A disappointing result but selfishly for me it was just great to be back out there and really enjoyed it.”
Souttar, who has scored six goals in 10 caps for Australia, said the plan alongside the medical staff has been to gradually increase his workload and intensity.
However, despite Souttar’s understandable eagerness to return to Championship football as soon as possible, a prudent approach remains necessary to mitigate any potential risk on re-injury.
“There’s a certain element of that (not pushing too hard too early,” he explained.
“Me being the player I’m always the one pushing to get back but obviously the coaching staff and medical team are the ones kind of hanging me back, so it’s just about finding a balance.
“It was a long I think 10-and-a-half months, watching the lads train everyday while you’re in the gym.
“But just so happy to be back and hopefully I can get back into the team soon.
“The medical team have done a great job getting me back. Ultimately, I know how my body feels probably better than anyone but again it’s their job to be cautious and look after me.”
Souttar also revealed he has endured some difficult days during his lengthy injury lay-off and throughout the rehabilitation process but said having a strong support network has helped immensely.
“It’s been tough, had some tough couple of moments and months,” he said.
“But the people at the club and my family have all kind of got round me and like I’ve said it’s been difficult at times.
“But you’ve got to put it into perspective, it’s an injury but there’s a lot of worse things out there that could happen so I’m just delighted to be back.”
Meanwhile, fellow Subway Socceroos centre-back, Kye Rowles, is nearing a comeback and is too in a race against the clock to be available for selection for next month’s World Cup.
The 24-year-old had made an impressive start to life with Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership following his move from Central Coast Mariners before sustaining a broken foot at the end of August.
Australia Head Coach Graham Arnold told SEN radio last week he was optimistic both Rowles and Souttar will be able to get some crucial minutes with their clubs and mount a case.
“He needs to have a scan just to check (his foot injury), so once he gets that clearance he’ll be training the week after,” Arnold stated.
“There’s a few weeks to go so both (Rowles and Harry Souttar) have a chance to get some game time.”