Jose Fonte has vowed to return fitter and stronger than ever after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury on Monday.
Fonte is set to spend a spell of two to three months on the sidelines after suffering the injury in the recent 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, but is remaining upbeat and wants to return as soon as possible in the New Year.
The Portugal defender says he is in the best possible hands as he faces his first major injury absence in nearly four years.
He explained: “Obviously I’m disappointed and frustrated because it was an unnecessary tackle [which caused the injury].
“That’s part of football and now it’s time to focus on returning after the surgery on Monday and having a good recovery so I can be back as soon as possible.
We have great physios and great doctors at the Club, so we’ll be working hard together to be back stronger and fresher
Jose Fonte
“When the injury happened, I got up straight away, but then every step I was taking I was feeling a click on my ankle and a sharp pain, so I knew immediately something was wrong.
“I couldn’t continue and then after the game it was very swollen
“Now I’ve had the surgery, I will have to wear a cast for two weeks, then a boot for two weeks and finally a brace for two weeks, so that’s six weeks. Then after that it’s getting back my fitness levels.
“I’m not scared of working hard, so I’ll put the hard work in. We have great physios and great doctors at the Club, so we’ll be working hard together to be back stronger and fresher.”