Southwark News

It's a long road back

Danny Senda is determined to be a part of this season's push for the Championship, having begun his titanic fight-back from his career-threatening knee injury, writes David Yuill.
The runner-up in this year's player of the year is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, as his shocking dislocated knee, sustained in the final game of the season away at Swindon, will keep the amiable full-back out until at least January.
The 27-year-old told the 'News' of his current state of frustration, after slowly getting over the initial shock and disappointment of the injury.

With the long road to recovery underway, what stage are you at now?

Things are going to plan and the surgeon was really pleased with my progress last week. My leg has been locked solid in place for a month, but was unlocked and set at a 60 degree angle now, which is a massive relief. It gets very frustrating at times, but I have to be patient with it.
It's frustrating being on crutches and in a brace, but this is the most vital time and to tweak something now by rushing could really set me back.

Is the medical team pleased with your progress?

My surgeon has been positive with me every step of the way. Nothing has been cloudy though, he has told me things straight - that it would be a very complicated operation and a very, very hard and long road back. But he has made me confident that there is nothing to stop me making a full recovery.
He is first class. He is the knee specialist at Chelsea and knows exactly what he is doing. he has told me many stories of high-profile players that he has treated to make full recoveries from similar injuries.

Do you expect to be back in contention by the end of this season?

I fully intend to get back this year. I have not written off this season by any means. That does not mean that I will rush it; this is a serious injury and if it takes me a season to get me right and make sure it never happens again, then I will. I know I could never go through that terrible pain again.

What do you remember of the incident?

I was getting across my marker as Brkie's (Ahmet Brkovic's) ball came in, but it cleared me and went towards the back post, I didn't even jump. I turned to see if anybody had got on the end of it and heard a crack and a crunch - I immediately thought, 'don't let that be me'.
It was not an immediate sharp pain, turned to look down thinking it was not good news for whoever's leg that was. When I saw it was my leg facing the wrong direction, a million thoughts hit you before the pain; is that it, career finished, no coming back when you see the leg bent over double.

How much did the injury overshadow the delight of scoring your first Lions goal?

It was a massive dampener on the game and my season. I'd been so desperate to get a goal for Millwall and when it finally comes, I don't get the chance to savour or celebrate it properly.
It was the first time I had played centre-half - the gaffer asked me to do a job for him because we were short once again.
He had joked that it was about time I chipped in a goal and after six minutes there it was, then I go and do my knee.

Do you remember much about the journey home?

The gaffer (Kenny Jackett) insisted that we went together and would come back as a team and so the lads came to pick me up from the hospital on the coach. The journey was very difficult, I was very emotional, I was still in shock and did not have any of the answers that I needed - the extent of the damage, was it the end, how many games would I be out for, it was all very tough.

What messages of support have you had from the players and fans?

It has been fantastic. To a man, the players have all sent me a text or called me. But I will never forget Chopper and his reaction on the pitch. He was by my side the entire time, he stood by me and calmed me down. It was really special that Chops was there for me. I have been delighted with the messages I have read on the message boards from fans getting behind me, and each mean so much to me.

And do you expect to have to fight to get back in, come six, eight or ten months' time?

I am under no illusion that whenever I do get back, I will have a very tough second fight on my hands, to earn my place back in the team. I do not expect through any form or merit to walk straight back in, I expect to fight.
I don;t know the manager's plans. I would like to think that Biggie (Marcus Bignot) would get an opportunity, or maybe bring another right back in. Either way; I'm sure the squad will be a stronger, tougher side to play against than we were this year, which means a tougher team to get into across the side.