Title: Ben Doak Aims for Euro 2024 Comeback After Knee Surgery
Recovering from knee surgery in December, Ben Doak is eager to make his return to the football field. The 18-year-old Scottish talent is eyeing a place in the national team’s squad for Euro 2024, showcasing the belief in his potential as a game-changer at the tournament in Germany.
Doak, who has not played a single minute of football since his surgery to repair his MCL, is now back in full training. His inclusion in Scotland’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 indicates the confidence the team has in his abilities. However, a spot in the final group is not yet guaranteed for the young player.
Before his potential Euro 2024 appearance, Doak hopes to make an impact in the upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland. These matches would mark his long-awaited return from injury.
In an interview for the Scotland national team’s YouTube channel, Doak provided insight into his recovery process. He shared that he was training on his own for a while, anxiously awaiting his return. However, the physios advised him to take his time and wait until he was in his best shape. Doak finally rejoined training during the last week of the season and has been training for two to three weeks now. He expressed his excitement about getting back on the field and kicking a ball again.
Reflecting on his journey, Doak acknowledged the challenges young players face in breaking into the squad. He mentioned that it was difficult to earn a place in Liverpool’s team at that time. However, with time, he witnessed the success of other young players who scored goals and made an impact. Unfortunately, Doak’s injury forced him to put his Euro 2024 aspirations on hold. Nevertheless, he feels fortunate to have recovered in time and is now optimistic about his chances.
Saturday brought both good and bad news for Doak’s Euro 2024 hopes. Striker Lyndon Dykes was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury in training. This opens up a spot in the final squad, with only one player needing to be cut from the current group of 27. Additionally, there is a possibility that U21s forward Tommy Conway may be called up. Despite the competition, Doak is expected to secure a place on the plane to Germany.
Doak credits his time with Liverpool, where he made five appearances in the previous season, for providing valuable experience. Participating in the Europa League helped him grow as a player, especially in away games in Europe. He acknowledges that playing at that level is tougher than expected but believes it has made him better.
The deadline for nations to submit their final squads for Euro 2024 is June 7. With his recovery progress and determination to succeed, Ben Doak is poised to make a remarkable comeback and potentially leave his mark on the tournament.