Malo Gusto, currently on loan from Chelsea at French side Lyon, has opened up about the mental and physical challenges he faced during his time in the treatment room this spring.
Malo missed a total of 11 matches for Lyon between the months of February and April and spent weeks at our Surrey training base during his rehabilitation phase.
It was an ideal learning curve for the young Frenchman, not only because he could get used to his new Chelsea team-mates and surroundings at Cobham, but also to see how he would react to a tough moment in his early career.
After returning to the field recently, Malo spoke of his rehabilitation period and the difficulties that came along the way.
‘My rehabilitation was well managed,' he said. 'There have been regular exchanges between the two clubs for my injury. I was able to recover well, that was the most important thing. I had regular contact with the staff and they came to see me in London. They have always been behind me.
‘I was also well supported by my family. I wanted to come to answer your questions because a lot has been said and a lot was wrong. I'm a kid at the club, I gave everything for this shirt and some thought I was delaying my return to stay at Chelsea. It moved me. People interpret as they want. I always wanted to play and give it my all. It wasn't the most comfortable situation. I thought my absence would be shorter.’
Times on the sidelines often call for a shift in focus and perspective, and while spending time in London during the month of March, the 19-year-old says he could focus on his mental wellbeing.
‘I was able to refocus on my physical and mental health. I tried to clear my mind; it was important for me because I was mentally tired. This break served me. I did half of my rehabilitation at Chelsea and the last part at Lyon. Both clubs wanted me to come back in the best shape. Everything went well.’
Lyon still have five domestic matches to play before the season’s end, with the hosting of Montpellier next weekend, as well as Monaco and Nice to come. Malo is eyeing a strong end to the campaign.
‘This is just the beginning. I have to regain rhythm and confidence. I'm concentrating on Lyon's last matches to move up the rankings. I want to leave the club with European qualification.’