Alex Rufer, captain of the Wellington Phoenix, claims that as he struggled with an illness that could have kept him out of action for an extended period of time, football was the last thing on his mind.
Rufer finally returned to action with the Phoenix last Friday night against Melbourne Victory after missing six Isuzu UTE A-League games due to glandular sickness.
But for the Phoenix captain, who was informed that he might miss up to six months of football because of the sickness and that there was no defined recovery period, it might have been far worse.
“It must be quite difficult for any athlete to watch a team they play for play when they are unable to play themselves.
For me, the hardest part of it all was that I had no idea when it would end. It was challenging to deal with the lack of a plan at the time. However, we’ve made it through the other side, and both the boys and I are doing fantastic.
As I previously stated, my top priority was to ensure that I returned to my health, and happily, I have, and here we are.
“I’ve suffered two serious injuries, and while they are undoubtedly difficult because you’re out for a while, at least you have something to strive for.
You are aware of the appropriate time and method for your return. This, however, was somewhat different. There was no anticipated return date or day when you were supposed to feel well again.
“Now that I’m back and feeling good, I’m just really grateful.”
In Round 19, Wellington lost to Victory 1-0, and Rufer had a cameo in the second half, playing 27 minutes off the bench.
His recovery from illness comes just in time for the Phoenix to play Auckland FC in the third and final New Zealand Derby match of the season on Saturday afternoon at Go Media Stadium (kick-off 3pm AEDT).
The Phoenix lost their first two games against Auckland and will be eager to avoid handing the Black Knights the ultimate derby bragging rights in the club’s first season in the league.
Rufer says he feels capable of playing up to an hour on Saturday as he continues to build up his minutes following his six-game illness absence.
“Personally (I think) I could play up to 60 minutes,” he said. “
