Super Eagles star Nathan Tella has admitted his anger and frustration over his persistent injury problems after making his return to action for Bayer Leverkusen, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian winger returned from another spell on the sidelines by playing 45 minutes and scoring in Leverkusen’s 6-0 training victory over Fortuna Köln on Friday.
Tella has endured another frustrating start to the season after muscular problems kept him out of five of Leverkusen’s first six competitive matches.
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The 27-year-old missed the latter stages of last season because of injury and also spent parts of pre-season on the sidelines, continuing a difficult period that has repeatedly disrupted his progress at the German club.
“I’m happy to be back. I was able to play for 45 minutes. I hope it’s my last comeback. I’m praying for it,” Tella told Bild.
“I’m very angry and frustrated that it happened again. But that’s life.”
The Super Eagles forward admitted that his injury setbacks have been beyond his control but praised Leverkusen for continuing to support him throughout his difficult spells on the sidelines.
“Things happen that are beyond your control. Then it depends on how you react and act,” he added.
“The club has always stood behind me during my injuries and given me confidence.”
Tella missed 28 matches last season and has suffered several other setbacks since joining Leverkusen, including knee, foot and muscular problems.
However, his latest return has given the former Southampton and Burnley man hope of finally finding some consistency in his fitness.
“Hopefully, I’ll have a good week of training now so I can get back into the rhythm and be back in the squad in Mainz.”
Tella will now hope to build on his 45-minute appearance and convince Leverkusen boss Carles Martinez that he is ready to return to competitive action when the Bundesliga resumes against Mainz on October 10.
