Yannick Bolasie sets comeback date - and he’s feeling optimistic

It may be mid-simmer but Yannick Bolasie already knows what he wants for Christmas - to get back out on the football pitch.

The DR Congo winger has already been sidelined for nearly eight months after suffering a knee injury against Manchester United in December.

Bolasie needed two operations to repair the damage and still faces a long road to full fitness.

However, the 28-year-old is feeling optimistic and has spent much of the summer working hard on his recovery at Finch Farm.

Bolasie has also been allowed to go on holiday during his recovery, spending plenty of time abroad to give him a complete break from football.

The former Crystal Palace winger is grateful to Ronald Koeman for allowing him that time away, as well as the medical and backroom team for their role in his rehabilitation.

Speaking to the official site, Bolasie said:

“[Going away] has helped me massively. It’s taken my mind off not being able to play. I don’t know the ins and outs of exactly what is happening and sometimes you want to be like that - to be able to just completely switch off. When I’ve come back, I’ve felt really refreshed. I’m grateful that the Club - the manager and the medical staff - have allowed me to have a couple of breaks.

“I have come a long, long way [in my career] and I still feel like I have got a lot to show. I’m looking forward to the challenge. Obviously, getting over this injury is a challenge in itself but once I do it, I’ll be back happy and ready to go again.”

Bolasie comes across as an immensely optimistic and positive character - an outlook that is no doubting helping him on his road back to fitness.

He even sees his injury - such a devastating blow for a footballer to endure - as a reason to be positive.

"Strangely, I think that having this injury will give me the composure that I have been looking for.

"I know that will take my game to another level. I am going to be subconsciously more cautious with any sharp movements, but that should improve my game massively.

"My old managers always felt I would gain more composure with age.

"Now I have had this injury, I think it will come, but I don't think I will lose my pace or my sprinting - and I feel strong already."

Bolasie will remain a frustrated spectator when the season kicks off again in August, despite all his hard work over the summer.

But there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel, with Bolasie clear about what he wants from Santa Clause this Christmas:

“Getting back in December would be the best Christmas present. A player like me always wants to be on the pitch.”

Good luck Yannick!