Hughes feared he’d never play again after cruciate

FORMER Derby County star Will Hughes has recalled the serious knee injury he sustained in 2015.

Hughes lined up against Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium on the opening day of the 2015-16 season but, half an hour in, he was taken off after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 23-year-old did not return to action for another eight months, in the reverse fixture against Bolton at Pride Park – a match which ended 4-1 to the Rams.

Since then, Hughes earned a move to Premier League side Watford and has been a key figure for the Hornets.

Speaking to Watford’s website, Hughes admitted he had doubts whether he would ever play football again.

“I remember going into that season feeling good, really excited, then, 30 minutes in, my season was over,” he said.

“I just knew it was a bad one and it (the cruciate ligament injury in his right knee) had such a mental impact on me. I felt something go.

“From then on I was just trying to get round it mentally.

“That season was the hardest of my career.

“Physically, you know what you are in for, you just have to work hard. It’s mentally draining, though.

“Originally, you do doubt whether you’ll get back.

“After I had the op, I was in so much pain and my movement was so restricted that I wondered how my leg was ever going to get better and get back to that standard.

“I even wondered if I was ever going to be able to run. It was a real mental battle. Once you start going through the process you gain more confidence.”