Former Liverpool vice-captain James Milner has opened up on the injury hell that kept him sidelined for the majority of the season and fearing he might not walk normally again
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James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Aston Villa FC at Amex Stadium
James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Aston Villa FC at Amex Stadium
(Image: 2025 CameraSport)
James Milner has revealed he feared he might not walk normally again after damaging a nerve during an operation, as he opened up on his injury hell that ruled him out for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign. The former Liverpool vice-captain made his comeback for Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the season as a last-minute substitute in their 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur.
It marked the 39-year-old’s first appearance for the Seagulls in nine months, as he featured for the first time since August 31.
The midfielder had started the first three games of the season only to limp off early on in Brighton’s 1-1 draw away with Arsenal, having already suffered a contact injury in training.
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Although he injured his hamstring against the Gunners, he would later undergo surgery on his knee.
And while he initially expected to return at the start of December, a complication under the knife ensured he endured a 267-day lay-off as Milner was left fearing if he would even be able to walk normally again - never mind resume his playing career.
“I had a contact injury in training before the Arsenal game on my knee,” he said. “It was stable and we gave it a go and my hamstring reacted.
“I had a knee operation and knee reconstruction, which was fine and I would have been back at the start of December.
“But in the operation a nerve got damaged. After the operation I couldn't lift my foot or my toes. The first time I saw any flicker of life was the 31st of December.
“It's been a long, tough road. The medical staff have been incredible, [club physio] Sean Duggan has been absolutely unbelievable.
“There was a chance I might not have come back at all. I didn't know if I could walk normally again, never mind play football.
“But thankfully the hard work's paid off. And to get on the field today [Sunday] with the boys and see them turn it around in the second half and be a part of that was special.
“I've been on the grass for a good few months now but I just need to be careful with contact. I've just run out of time. If the season was next week I think I would have been fit from now on.
“It's not age-related, it's just one chance in however many thousand. It was just a bit of bad luck after starting the season well and feeling good.”
Milner will celebrate his 40th birthday next January, while he remains 15 appearances off equalling Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League record.
And having fought so hard to return from injury this season, the former Liverpool star - who is out of contract this summer - has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet as he insisted he has at least ‘another year left in me’ as he eyed up extending his stay with Brighton.
“I started the season well, I look at my fitness now and I feel good,” Milner told the Brighton club website. “Coming on against Tottenham, I would like to keep playing.
“I've definitely got another year left in me. I think we're quite close so it will be nice to be here and be part of the team and help the boys.
“You look at the season we have had. We have good players and good results but there have been times when we've dropped points and shouldn't have done. You need a bit of experience.
“You look at the players that have come in, the likes of Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda, difficult coming to a new team and country but look how good they've been in last few weeks. It takes time.
“I'm excited for next year for sure. Hopefully I can be a part of it. You look at the potential that's there. Carlos Baleba is another player with more games and maturity.
“Hopefully with myself involved and the senior guys, we can keep pushing these guys, the more games, the game understanding will improve.
“The manager has done a fantastic job but with another season under his belt I think it is exciting for next season.”