Spl Latest... Injury Lay-Off Breathes New Life Into Dave
DAVID FERNANDEZ last night revealed a freak training-ground injury that forced him out of top-team action for two months was just what he needed.
Kilmarnock's Spanish star admitted the time spent on the sidelines with a knee problem gave his battered body the chance to heal properly.
Now Fernandez is at last pain free and desperate to play a major role in helping Killie's campaign for a top-six place in the SPL.
The 31-year-old had battled through nine months of gruelling rehabilitation after suffering a career-threatening cruciate ligament injury and was fit for the start of the new season.
But his comeback was brought to a shuddering halt at the end of September when he was crocked again in training.
Fernandez said: "My recent injury was the best thing that could have happened tome because I now feel a lot better than when I first returned to training.
"The four weeks I had out allowed me to rest and I had to start all over again and that made a big difference. I now feel totally different. My match fitness is not there yet but I am not having the problems in my legs that I used to have.
"It was a blessing. The problem in my legs was something I didn't know how to deal with and I was very concerned as my mobility was affected.
"When I first picked up the injury I knew it would allow me to rest but I did not think I'd feel as good as I do now.
"I'm not even sure how I got the injury. I must have slipped and I landed on my knee and it took all my body weight.
"When it happened gaffer Jim Jefferies just said, 'Let's go home' as he didn't want any more players hurt.
"But I'm glad it happened because now I'm back in training and I feel totally different. I feel I can now train the way I used to train.
"It is just a relief that after training I am able to walk without pain.
"Even in the mornings before I started training I would be stiff but now that has gone.
"It used to be a problem and I didn't know how to deal with it - even the gaffer and the physio didn't know how to deal with it. We didn't really have a clue what was happening.
"But now it is a big relief that I don't have that problem."
Fernandez didn't play for four weeks but has appeared twice for the reserves and could be back in the squad for this weekend's clash with Motherwell.
He is determined to repay Jefferies' faith in him after spending so long out following his move from Dundee United last season.
He said: "This is the second injury I've had since I've been at Kilmarnock but I guess I got this one because I had been out for so long. Until you have a run of games and been back training it is easy to pick up other injuries.
"Your body needs to be used to the amount of work you're doing on the training pitch. Now I need to go all the way with training and playing, not to have any more problems.
"I've been back training for three weeks and have played for the reserves which has helped my fitness.
"Now I no longer have any problems and there six months of the season left. Now I want to play and give 100 per cent as I owe that to my team-mates, the gaffer and the supporters."
