AFC Bournemouth
David Brooks is beating boredom by spending time with Ironman and the Hulk and, crucially, being careful to remain injury free.
The Welsh midfielder has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, but despite training on the grass in March the latest speed bump in his return to football came with the Premier League's unexpected and enforced absence.
Brooks explained how he's been keeping himself occupied while he stays at home.
"I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t downloaded the new Disney TV, " he said. "The boredom’s kicked in, Netflix has gone a bit dry so I’ve been catching up on High School Musical and some of the Marvel movies.
"The other day I had a full day of watching the Premier League years and going through them. Whatever’s on TV, if there’s something decent you end up watching it. I’ve been trying to get my football fix but it’s hard to get involved when you know the score before it’s started.
"I’ve also been kicking a mini football around the house, but I’m scared to break something because I won’t be able to replace it at the minute! I’ve just been dribbling around trying not to injure myself."
The 22-year-old says he has also spent time playing games online with Aaron Ramsdale - "He's not very good but he enjoys it", says Brooks of his team-mate - with his coping mechanisms meaning he is well equipped to handle to current break.
Brooks explained: "It’s not really bothered me that much mentally, I’ve been out for eight months and some extra weeks or even months – it’s not like I’m missing out on anything. No-one’s playing at the minute so I can accept that, it’s just an unfortunate turn of events.
"It’s not the most important focus now, the Premier League. It’s about everyone keeping healthy and trying to get rid of the coronavirus."
When the football does return Brooks is aiming for a return to match fitness and the chance to help the Bournemouth squad with a successful dip over the Premier League finishing line.
"It’s never nice to be out on the sidelines, especially when your team’s not doing very well. We’ve had a struggle of a season with not just myself but Charlie Daniels, Steve Cook injured and throughout the season I don’t think we’ve had a full team for more than a week or two.
"The boys have done extremely well in recent weeks, playing better and trying to get the results to keep us out of the bottom three.
"Towards the end of the season, hopefully we’ll be able to do the fans and the club justice and stay in the Premier League."
