Waiting game for Bullard
05 Sep 2007 - 14:42:31
Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard is hopeful of being back in action by Christmas, as he eyes a return to full fitness in October.
The 29-year-old former Peterborough United and Wigan Athletic schemer has been sidelined for almost exactly a year, having suffered a dislocated kneecap and cruciate ligament damage against Newcastle United last October.
However, with his recovery beginning to gather pace, Bullard has warned that he is still some way away from being fully fit.
He told the club's official website: "October still looks about right for me to be playing again, but match fitness remains the key.
"I will need a lot of training and a lot of reserve games to build up match-fitness for the first team.
"The knee is fine now and everything since I started rehab has been geared to when I could return from what was a career-threatening injury.
"But although you may think you are fit, it is not until you see the other lads going into tackles and the pace they play at, that you realise it is going to take time.
"By Christmas, I think I ought to be fully ready."
