CAPTAIN Lloyd Kelly says he and David Brooks have helped “pull each other through” during their respective injury rehabs. Kelly has not featured for Cherries since suffering an ankle injury in training in September. The 24-year-old played a key role in helping the club clinch promotion last season, featuring in 41 of their 46 Championship fixtures. But his game-time at the elite level remains limited. Injury also wrecked Kelly’s first season in the Premier League, after joining Cherries from Bristol City in 2019. He has made 145 appearances in his professional career, but only 13 of those so far have come in the top flight. Kelly is currently stepping up his return to fitness during Cherries’ mid-season training camp in Dubai, alongside David Brooks, who himself is battling back from a hamstring problem.
Lloyd Kelly said: “In terms of myself, I’m getting up to speed. The first half of my rehab was quite slow in terms of getting the ankle stronger. This part is a lot more exciting for me because I can get up and do some running, which are things I’d do in training and games. I’m definitely enjoying working hard and I’m ready to go again to be honest. Some sessions, me and Brooksy have been together and it’s been nice to push each other. There’s been sessions that have been tough and we’ve had to pull each other through. Of course, when you’re off to the side and doing your own individual rehab programme, you’re seeing the team train next to you and it can affect you, especially if you’re on your own. Having someone there, it definitely helps.”
Discussing the time in Dubai so far as a whole, as preparations continue for a return to action at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on December 21,
Lloyd Kelly said: “It’s great for everyone to get together and go into a different environment. It’s definitely beneficial and helps us come back after the two weeks we had off. It’s important to regroup and the training here is different with the weather. It’s definitely been good for everyone so far, everyone has enjoyed it.”
