Daniels: Rest did the trick

AFC Bournemouth left back Charlie Daniels was pleased to make his return to the first team after fearing he would miss the rest of the season through injury.

A second scan on his injured foot in February revealed that he had sustained a avulsion fracture to the base of his fifth metatarsal sustained against Wigan in January.

It was hoped that a six week period on the sidelines would prevented the need for an operation, which had been provisionally booked for the 27th February.

Daniels returned to light training towards the end of last month and was able to train pain free, avoiding the need for surgery which would have ruled him out for the remainder of the season as it would require twelve weeks to recover as it would require bone fragment to either be pinned or removed.

Daniels made a shock return to the starting eleven against Oldham and managed 60 minutes, which he was pleased with.

Daniels told the Daily Echo...

'...I was a bit skeptical at first but, as soon as the game starts, you forget how long you have been out and soon get back into your natural rhythm. We had been aiming for 60 to 70 minutes and, fortunately, I got that far. I got through as much as I could although I did start to feel a bit leggy towards the end. I felt fine and so did my foot. I didn`t think I was naturally fit but, apparently, I am!"

'...I thought I might have needed an operation and that would have been the end of my season. I couldn`t do anything about it and we had tried everything we could. I was then advised to rest for three to four weeks to see if the bone would fuse.

"It was the last hope and, fortunately, it did the trick. Everything was fine and it repaired itself. I started jogging a couple of weeks ago and then started sprinting a few days ago. It was a bonus to be involved against Oldham and, if selected, it will be a bonus to feature in the last seven games. I am hoping it stays fine and I can kick on."

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