Marcus Tavernier
Summer signing Tavernier was one of Cherries’ standout performers before the World Cup break, the former Middlesbrough man coming into his own on the south coast just before the Premier League paused midway through November. When domestic football restarted, Tavernier was absent, with the winger sidelined with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old made his return to competitive action off the bench during Cherries’ 1-1 draw with Newcastle, having missed eight games. Discussing his rehabilitation,
Marcus Tavernier said: “I can’t thank the physios enough off for getting me back this quick. It was going to be a little bit longer, but I’m happy to be back now, playing and doing what I love. It was a hamstring injury. It was one which we didn’t expect. We didn’t think it was as bad as it seemed, and then the scans and the MRI came back and it was a lot worse than we presumed. But like I said, the physios have been nothing but great. They helped me through the process and they’ve got me got me back for this game (Newcastle). We pencilled it in as soon as I was injured and we worked towards it. And here I am now.”
Cherries have struggled for points in the absence of Tavernier, with their draw with Newcastle producing just their second point since Gary O’Neil was appointed on a permanent basis.
Marcus Tavernier said: “It’s been hard to come by at the moment, to get points. It’s been tough, but it’s good to get one on the board and with a strong performance as well from the whole team, it’s great. We’ve got a few more lads back now from injury and a few more to come. So it can only get better from here.”
Tavernier then went on to detail how he found watching on from the sidelines as his side struggled on the pitch.
Marcus Tavernier explained: “That’s been the toughest part for me. It’s probably been the longest time I’ve been injured and the worst thing is just watching and not being able to have an impact on the game. But I feel like I’m back now and I can only have that impact I had beforehand and help the team.”
The World Cup break and injury came at the worst time, with Tavernier scoring twice and producing four assists in his last three appearances.
Marcus Tavernier continued: “I feel like it’s probably the best form I’ve been in my life so far. But I’m happy now just to be back playing again. Hopefully I can get that form again and contribute to the team.”
