Midfielder Grant Ward says he is ahead of schedule following surgery on the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered at QPR on Boxing Day but knows he faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
"The operation went well,” the 24-year-old told the club site. "Alex [Chapman, assistant first-team physio] was in the operating theatre so he watched it. The surgeon is happy with the way it went and I’m ahead of schedule at the moment. "
"The first few weeks I couldn’t really straighten my leg too well but now I feel a bit more back to myself. It’s good to be back at the training ground as well. That helps, seeing the lads, having a chat and being around the place again.""
"I’m doing work on the bike. I’m working on technique and strengthening the leg. I’ve not done any weight work yet. It’s more about stability of the joint. It’s an injury that I can’t rush, I know that.”""
Ward is expected to be sidelined for between nine and 12 months, while Freddie Sears, who suffered a similar injury at Norwich earlier this month, has successfully undergone his operation. It's anticipated that the striker, 29, will also be out for nine months to a year.
Surgery ✅
Speedy recovery, Freddie! 💪 #itfc pic.twitter.com/8BBa83jVCI— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) February 28, 2019