Lewis Ferguson, the captain of Bologna, is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery. The Scottish international has been a standout performer in Serie A this season but will now miss out on Euro 2024. Ferguson expects to be out of action for at least six or seven months before he can resume training.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Ferguson admitted that the recovery process has been challenging both physically and mentally. As someone who has never experienced a serious injury before, he had to come to terms with the long road ahead. However, he is now ready to face the journey head-on and is determined to make a successful comeback.
Receiving the prestigious Bulgarelli Number 8 award on Monday provided Ferguson with a much-needed boost. This annual prize is given to the best midfielder in Serie A and has been previously won by renowned players such as Daniele De Rossi, Nicolo Barella, and Sandro Tonali. Ferguson expressed his gratitude for being included in such illustrious company and acknowledged the many fantastic players who have received the award in the past.
Despite his injury setback, Ferguson can look back on a successful season in Italy. In 31 league appearances, he scored six goals and provided four assists. His impressive performances earned him a move to Bologna in July 2022 after stints at Aberdeen and Hamilton Academical. In his debut season with the club, he scored seven goals and signed a contract extension until 2027. Moreover, Ferguson was entrusted with the captaincy in October, highlighting his growing influence within the team.
Reflecting on his time in Italy, Ferguson expressed his love for every minute of his Italian adventure. He emphasized the importance of being open-minded when moving to a new country and highlighted the need to embrace the language and way of life. Settling in quickly has undoubtedly helped him on the pitch, as he believes he has become a much better player. While he still possesses the same characteristics, Ferguson now approaches the game with a greater emphasis on tactics and the finer details that can make a difference at the highest level.
Lewis Ferguson’s injury and subsequent absence from the Euro 2024 tournament will undoubtedly be a blow to both Bologna and the Scottish national team. However, his positive attitude and determination to overcome this setback are admirable. As he embarks on his road to recovery, Ferguson will be missed on the field but will surely return stronger and more determined than ever before.