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Posh: Forgotten striker Hibbert on the way back after horrendous time
ON HIS WAY BACK: Dave Hibbert after a lengthy lay-off through injury.
POSH striker Dave Hibbert is praying his injury hell is coming to an end.
Hibbert has been sidelined for eight months after being stretchered off with a dislocated knee in an FA Cup first round replay triumph over Stockport County last November.
But that was just the start of an ‘horrendous’ time for Hibbert. After his bid to return to training in March ended in agony, it was discovered he had also suffered a rare tear in the flesh around his Achilles.
The 25 year-old was at one point told by medical experts his career could be over, but he now has his sights set on a place in the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal and a September return to action.
Hibbert said: “The last few months have been horrendous. I thought I was going to be back in March but when I started running the other injury came to light.
“I’ve suffered two really bad injuries in one hit so to speak and it has obviously been a really tough time for me.
“It has really tested me mentally but coming through something like this will only make you stronger.
“I was told at one point that I only had a 50 per cent chance of ever playing football again.
“It’s such a rare injury, but hopefully I’m now over the worst of it now. I had the cast off a couple of weeks ago and the scars are healing.
“It is now just a case of working hard in the gym again to make my leg stronger. Pre-season will come too quickly for me but hopefully I will be able to go to Portugal and continue my gym work out there.
“The surgeon has mentioned September as a possible target to be fit but you can’t think too far ahead. I have to take each day as it comes and ensure I do everything properly.”
Hibbert admits he faces a mammoth task to challenge for a first team place after such a long lay-off, but he would love to contribute to Posh’s campaign in the Championship.
He added: “It will be a big ask after missing so much football but playing in the Championship is definitely my aim.
“I had a little taste of it when I was a youngster at Preston and it would be terrific to experience it again. I’m sure things will be different for Posh this time around.
“All I can do is make sure I come back from the injuries in really good shape. I was brought here in the first place because I offer something different to the other strikes and hopefully that might work in my favour.
“The manager has been brilliant and organised for the Manchester United physios to have a look at me to see if they could help.”
Hibbert scored once in 12 appearances for Posh last season after his summer arrival from Shrewsbury Town. His sole start for the club came in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Huddersfield.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
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Battersea posh
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 09:48 AMMe too Hibbo
DonB
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 03:17 PMGood luck, Dave, I hope it all comes good for you.
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