Matt Scrafton's verdict on Burnley's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal
After a season on loan with Benfica, Zeki Amdouni was keen to resurrect his Burnley career.
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The 24-year-old was part of Scott Parker’s squad during pre-season as the Clarets geared up for their Premier League return.
The forward has now opened up on the injury in an interview with French outlet SFM Football.
“It's already been three months,” he said. “Time flies, because there are stages: first getting off crutches, then walking normally again. Now, I have only one desire: to run again. Then I'll think about the road. Like when you're not injured, it's day by day.
“I'm trying to maintain the same mindset. Mentally, I feel good. I've already experienced hardships in football, it doesn't scare me.
“Good news: I'm starting to run again gently, and I'm aiming for a return to the field in a few weeks.”
Amdouni's last appearance for Burnley came in August 2024 (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)placeholder image
Amdouni's last appearance for Burnley came in August 2024 (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
To make the setback even more cruel, Amdouni knew nothing about the injury when he suffered it – other than feeling something in his knee with barely 30 seconds remaining of a train session.
“It was nothing that made me think of a torn ACL,” he explained.
“For two days, I still went to football despite the pain. Even the physiotherapists, after examinations, didn't know.
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“After the MRI, I called the doctor. I felt there was a problem – maybe a sprain – but I never would have thought of an ACL tear.
“He didn't say anything on the phone: "We'll talk about it tomorrow at training." My father found that strange. The next day, at the training centre, doctor, physio, coach, assistant... that's when I understood.
“They were surprised by my reaction: I was touched, yes, but I never show my emotions; even my relatives have never seen me cry.
“I told myself it's part of football and I had to accept it. I spoke with the coach and he was disappointed too. After my season at Benfica, I wanted to be there for Burnley and show my football. But it's part of the game.”
Since suffering the injury, Amdouni has remained a part of the group. He’s often around his Burnley teammates and is a regular attendee at Turf Moor games this season.
“Honestly, at first, I needed to be surrounded by people,” he added.
“My family and friends often came to England, and going to the training ground every day was really helpful. Even though I wasn't doing much at first, just being there, seeing my teammates, eating and laughing with them, made all the difference.
“Honestly, it builds mental strength. Seeing your teammates playing match after match and training sessions only makes you want one thing: to come back and feel your best. But there's no question of pushing myself. I'll take the time I need to get back to 100 per cent.”
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