AFC Bournemouth
Arnaut Danjuma says he is planning “a major comeback” after taking positive steps on the road to recovery.
Summer signing Danjuma is confident he can see light at the end of the tunnel in his bid to shake off a nagging ankle injury.
The 23-year-old frontman has been restricted to ten appearances since joining the Cherries from Club Brugge in July.
Danjuma has been sidelined since feeling discomfort in his ankle following the Cherries’ 3-0 defeat by Liverpool in early December.
He has received treatment at Aspetar, the world-renowned sports medicine clinic in Qatar, as well as seeing a specialist in Amsterdam.
The Netherlands international is making good progress and has been working tirelessly on his rehab with the club’s medical and sports science staff.
Asked whether he expected to feature again this season, Danjuma told afcb.co.uk: “Yes, definitely, 100 per cent. There’s no doubt about it.
“I’m not quite there yet and can’t give a definite date for my return because we are still discussing it and we need to keep in mind how the rehab goes as well.
“But up to now, it has been great. There have been no issues and everything is moving forward pretty quickly so it shouldn’t take very long.”
As well as targeting a return to the Premier League with the Cherries, Danjuma is also desperate to force his way into the Netherlands squad for this summer’s Euros.
He added: “If I show what I’m capable of then I would hope to be selected. With the qualities I have, I can perform for my club and my country. I think I could add value to the team here and for the Dutch national team.
“In my opinion, quality is permanent so I’m just seeing this as a little setback and am planning on making a major comeback.
“Seeing the team perform and win is very satisfying but it doesn’t feel right if you are just watching and I want to help the team.
“I’m not going to lie, it has been frustrating and still is because I’m continuing the rehab. With my personality, I’m very eager and hungry to perform for the club and just feel I haven’t shown what I’m capable of. That is still bothering me.
“But on the other hand, I’m confident I’ve got enough time to show the fans what I’m capable of and am feeling very positive because that’s always my mindset.”
Discussing his rehab, Danjuma said: “I’m working on the pitch, I’m running and doing all the things I can to build up my fitness.
“I went to Qatar for seven weeks and had a week in Holland with a physio I have known since I was young. He knows my whole career and the things I’ve been through.
“I’ve done everything I can to get the best advice possible and to make sure the rehab goes as smoothly and as well as possible.”
