Winger in upbeat mood about his return
.Jason Moriartyhas stepped up his recuperation after long-term injury by coming through light training sessions this week with AFC Wimbledon Sports Scientist Chris Arthur
at the training ground.Dons PlayerThe powerful winger, who made such a favourable impression during the early season after signing from Havant & Waterlooville, was in upbeat mood about his progress during an interview for
Chris, who suffered a hairline fracture of his ankle during the draw against Accrington Stanley in October, upped the intensity of his running drills with Jason Moriarty (pictured putting Chris through his paces at New Malden today).
Speaking to Dons Player, Chris said: “It’s going according to plan. I have not done twisting and turning movements yet, but things are progressing well. I had not been able to do any running for seven weeks, but now I am stepping up the intensity of my running. I have also been doing strengthening work on my ankle, cardiovascular exercises, and a lot of balancing to try and get the muscles strong around the tendon. Jason and Stuart Douglas (physio) are both pleased with the progress I’m making.”
Chris is on schedule to make a return soon after an injury that he says was the worst of his career so far – and he can’t wait to be back involved.
“I was getting a lot of positive feedback from the boys and the coaching staff at the start of this season,” he added. “It was a bit of a downer when I got injured, but these things happen. It was probably the worst injury that I had suffered, but hopefully I can get back to full fitness soon and get back in the squad. When I have been down at the club watching games, supporters have been coming up and asking me when I will be back. It is hard to give them a date, but I’m very thankful for their support.”
Jason Moriarty said: “Chris has made the transition from working with Stuart to doing a lot more work with me. We went down to Charlton Athletic recently and Chris worked on the anti-gravity treadmill that they have there. Their assessment was that if he could run at 85 per cent of his body weight then he would be okay to work outside. We have therefore been progressing his running this week and today he started increasing his tempo a lot more.
“We have a great team spirit here and some of the players have been giving Chris high-fives because they are glad to see him back at the training ground. It is massive that Chris stays positive, especially now that he’s in the latter stages of his recuperation. There will be days when he thinks things are not going his way, but he needs to take the rough with the smooth.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch Chris being put through his paces by Jason at the training ground and watch full interviews with the pair.