Right back fit again after being out since March.
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Kyle Walker is ready to put nine long months on the sidelines behind him as he is makes his return for Tottenham in the Europa League tonight.
The 24 year-old has been out since March with a pelvic complaint that not only ruled him out for the North London side but the 2014 Brazil World Cup where he was thought to be in line for selection.
The right back was close to a return in September, but after a major setback he was forced to have abdominal surgery to correct the problem – a move which Walker had initially attempted to avoid.
39 weeks since his last appearance, Walker is expected to make his long awaited first team return tonight against Besiktas in the Europa league.
“It has been a difficult long-term injury to cope with, both mentally and physically,” said Walker to ITV.
“I have had to dig deep. Luckily I have had my team-mates and family around me to help me through,” he said. “I came onto the scene in 2010 season and I played a lot of games, barely missing one, before this injury. So, while it has been very difficult for me, in some ways it has been good for me to take a step back, have a look at things and try to work on my game.”
Walker returns at a crucial time for Mauricio Pochettino with tonight’s game determining whether Spurs or Besiktas will finish top of group C. Walker rejoined first team training last month and will be viewing any possible game time in Turkey as a way to build up his fitness.
“I never thought it would happen to me, but I feel perfect now,” he said. “I am fit and I feel fresh and ready to go. Hopefully all my injury problems are behind me now. You can never say never, but I like to think they are so I can move on to help Spurs and England and get my career back on track.”