Bramble ahead in battle for fitness

16 July 2010 14:45
Wigan centre-back Titus Bramble has revealed he is making rapid recovery from foot surgery ahead of the new season. [LNB] The 28-year-old, who arrived at the DW Stadium in 2007, suffered a stress fracture last term which caused him to miss the last two games of the campaign. [LNB]Bramble was initially given a rehabilitation period of 14 weeks, which would have seen him sidelined right up until the opening weekend of the new season. [LNB]But the stopper is winning his race to fitness and could be available for Latics' first game of the season against Blackpool next month. [LNB]"The foot feels good," Bramble told the Observer. [LNB]"I've been in and out of the club over the summer and it's just a case of getting the strength back now. [LNB]"I think I'm doing as well as I could be at this stage, and fingers crossed it stays that way. [LNB]"The initial estimate was 14 weeks out, but I'm hoping that was worst-case scenario. [LNB]"I'm definitely aiming to beat that and I think I can." [LNB]Bramble says he is eager to get back on the pitch following a long summer out of action. [LNB]"It's been so frustrating because, although you're resting, you always like to do a little bit over the summer," he said. [LNB]"I just haven't been able to do that, not even joining in 5-a-sides with my mates. You can only really go on the bike in the gym, and that kind of rehab is so boring. [LNB]"But it's part of the game. I've had a few injuries down the years and I know the drill." [LNB]More urgency has been added to Bramble's fitness fight after Gary Caldwell was ruled out until October following surgery on both hips. [LNB]"There's more pressure on me to get back with Gaz out for a couple of months," he added.[LNB]"It's important we have as many guys available as possible for the gaffer to choose from.[LNB]"If you don't play well, you shouldn't take it for granted you're playing the next week."

Source: Team_Talk