Ben Foster was forced out of
action at the end of the 2006/07 season and subsequently went under
the knife to repair a damaged cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Here he tells of his long road to recovery and his hopes for the
rest of the season.
I've been injured since May and when you can't do what you're paid
to do it's massively frustrating.
I had a lot of expectations surrounding this season and what it
might hold for me but I have to put those aside for now. When
you're told you're going to be out for eight months and no sooner
you just have to knuckle down and get on with it.
I've been spending a lot of time in the gym, working on all the
static cardio-vascular machines. I've been on the exercise bike,
the cross-trainer, the treadmill
all the machines that aren't
going to put too much pressure on my knee but will help me to keep
my stamina up. There have also been lots of leg weights and upper
body weights.
After all that, my knee is getting stronger. I've recently stepped
up my training and I've had no pain in it whatsoever. The next step
will be doing some more goalkeeping work. Earlier this month, I
started doing a few things just having someone hit volleys into
my hands. But I'll start doing some proper sessions soon with the
goalkeeper coach and that will push the knee a bit further. The aim
at the moment is to be doing full training and getting involved
with the lads sometime after Christmas probably early
February.
I can't wait until I'm playing again. I guess that might be around
March next year. It's something to look forward to and something to
aim for. Whether it's at United in the Reserves or somewhere else
on loan, I'm not bothered I'll take anything!
Speaking of loans, I spent two seasons at Watford and they were
good years. We got promoted and then relegated but it was a massive
test for me and I gained some invaluable experience. At Watford, I
tended to have quite a lot of work to do, which was good, but we
didn't pass it out from the back a lot, which is what United are
all about. So while I'm out I've been watching Edwin van der Sar
closely. That way, when my turn comes around I know what's expected
of me.
I come to all our games at Old Trafford and I watch the away games
on television. To be honest, it's incredibly frustrating and I'm
not a good spectator because I would much rather be out there. But
these things can't be helped and I'm determined to remain
positive.