Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed that he is ready for the season ahead after working hard over summer to overcome a long-term injury.
The 21-year-old made just 28 appearances in all competitions last season as his campaign was plagued by injuries, ruling him out for the majority of the end-of-season run-in.
Despite having a fine spell, starting 10 out of 11 games as Chelsea sat top of the Premier League, Hudson-Odoi’s season quickly became a frustrating one through no fault of his own.
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Training during much of the summer at Cobham, Hudson-Odoi has now opened up on his recovery as he outlines his plans for next season.
Speaking to Chelsea’s website, the winger explained his injury from last campaign.
“It was a weird one,” he said. “It was a neurological thing where I had a tweaked nerve in my back and it stemmed all the way down through my body, so it then became difficult for me to retain muscle.
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“There was no power really in my legs and everything was like ‘woah’. I was trying to pass the ball 10 yards but I had no power and I couldn’t even do it.
“I think it was also a post-coronavirus thing from December, which I couldn’t believe because it had been such a long time before.
“The issue started with my Achilles and then I was trying to use other parts of my body to make up for it, so for example when I was running I wasn’t running on my toes as much because my Achilles power wasn’t that strong.
“I was trying to find another way to run and then it started affecting my back but all of it is good now. My Achilles is strong again and my back is strong so everything is perfect. It’s one of those things but I’m glad to be back and to have all my power, strength and speed back is all that I can wish for.”
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The 21-year-old then continued to outline his goals for the season as the Blues prepare to travel on their pre-season tour of the United States.
He continued: “‘My main goal this summer and throughout the season is to be stronger.
"There were times in the season last year when I was running with the ball and feeling like I could get barged off it or I’m not as strong as I thought I was.
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“I’ve been putting more muscle on in training to make sure I’m getting bigger so when the opponents come, I know that I’m strong enough to hold them off, or that I won’t get barged and I can barge them instead.”
With Thomas Tuchel’s side preparing for another long season ahead, Hudson-Odoi will be hoping to steer clear of injuries and be part of the squad as they challenge on all fronts once more.
With Hakim Ziyech heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, Hudson-Odoi could see his role increased.
Raheem Sterling looks set to join the Blues from Manchester City also, with Hudson-Odoi continuing to compete with the world’s best in his position from next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms