Ex-Everton player Deulofeu battles injury: can he return to the pitch.

According to The Sun: Gerard Deulofeu has expressed hope for a miracle as he attempts to return to regular football training.

The 31-year-old player has not played since November 2022 due to injuries.

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The Spaniard suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, and during rehabilitation, he had to face several relapses, including cartilage infection.

This led to the necessity of cartilage regeneration in his right knee before he can return to playing at the proper level.

The former star of Barcelona, Everton, and Watford previously admitted that he may never return to professional football.

“This is more than an injury, it is something closer to permanent disability, to having a knee prosthesis.”

“Not being able to take a step, as the bones collide with each other, is much more serious. I am fighting against biology, as well as against myself.”

“I have been fighting for two and a half years already. I am happy that my team, my president, and my colleagues at Udinese support me.”

Deulofeu admitted that he “cannot count” how many times he thought about giving up.

However, he is determined to continue the fight so that his children can see him play for Udinese.

“It will be very difficult, but I want to make history,”

“I think I can become the player who spent the longest time without playing but managed to return. That would be a great record for me.”

Good news for him has been progress in his treatment process.

“In the cartilage area, healing is observed because without this, with the bones colliding, a return would be impossible.”

“But all this cartilage is healing, and now we need to clear this area and build more muscle so that I can feel better and train daily.”

“I can't count how many times I've thought about giving up... but I have a team behind me, experts in psycho-neuroimmunology that I can rely on.”

Deulofeu can also rely on his compatriot Santi Cazorla, who went through 11 surgeries in two years before returning to professional football.

“We keep in touch and exchange messages. Santi is an example for me.”

“I know what it’s like not to be able to enjoy my passion, and I fully understand his situation, as he is a legend and an example of overcoming hardships.”

Getty Deulofeu continues to battle with his injuries and hopes that after his efforts to return to football, he can once again impress his fans. His story is a vivid confirmation of how important it is not to give up in difficult circumstances. The support of like-minded individuals, such as Santi Cazorla, may be key to his recovery.