Ossama Ashley is optimistic he has put his injury woes behind him as West Ham United U23s prepare to play Blackburn Rovers.
Ashley had been out of action for over four months, featuring just once for the U23s this campaign in the EFL Trophy match away to Colchester United in September before suffering an injury that would keep him out of action for the remainder of 2021.
The midfielder has only recently returned to match action, coming off the bench in the Premier League Cup win over Swansea City two weeks ago and featuring in the matchday squad away to Manchester City last Sunday.
“I’m delighted to be back training and in games,” the 22-year-old told whufc.com. “I feel like my time at the Club has been filled with injuries and I’m constantly facing a different battle. I really hope, this time round, I can keep myself fit and get myself in the team.
“The team is doing really well this season, so I’d like to be a part of that. The lads have always made me feel included and there are some great vibes in the team. There’s a good morale in the team. I hope I can get minutes under my belt and help the team in anyway I can.”
There’s a good morale in the team. I hope I can get minutes under my belt and help the team in anyway I can.
Ossama Ashley
The relief and happiness at getting back on the pitch against Swansea was clear to see on Ashley’s face, as the midfielder played 30 minutes in the Premier League Cup contest in mid-February.
Reflecting on his comeback match, he said: “It felt amazing. With the type of game it was, with a sending off, I was coming on to do the hard work, but I really enjoyed just being out there again.
“I was standing in the middle of the pitch, looking all around me, and thinking that this was what I’d spent the past four months working for. I just made sure to enjoy every moment, regardless of whether I touched the ball or not. I was so happy.”
Back in the squad and earning his way into lead coach Mark Robson’s plans, Ashley’s attention now turns to Monday’s Premier League 2 match away to Blackburn.
Having watched the defeat to City from the bench, Ashley says the side can take pride in their performance at the Academy Stadium and need to focus on their own abilities in the coming game.
For the midfielder, just the opportunity to get even more minutes would mean the world.
He added: “Every game is tough but I think we’ve shown a lot of what we’re about. Not many teams could play against Manchester City with ten men for an hour, like we did, and put in that level of performance.
“It was always going to be a tough game against City. They are always hard opponents. But, just like they’re a top club, so are we. I feel like we’ve shown that each week.
“We’re looking forward now and anything can happen. We need to keep winning our matches and they might slip up, or vice versa. We can only focus on ourselves. We’ll go to Blackburn, play our game, be ourselves, and hopefully come away with the win.
“For me, I’d be eager to get some more minutes, get on the pitch and show what I’ve got. I know I’ve been out injured though so it’s completely up to the manager. The boys have been doing so well, but any chance I’m given, I want to grab it with both hands.
“I’m feeling good physically and mentally. Fitness comes with more game time and I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in months across the board. It’s all positive and I’m looking forward to improving and helping the team.”