Junior Firpo, a defender for Leeds United, feels that his injury problems during his time at Elland Road are partly due to his competitive nature and the fast-paced nature of the English game.
Due to a hamstring injury, the 27-year-old is currently out of action for the second time this season. Manager Daniel Farke has recommended a few weeks off from first-team play. Similar to the previous season, when he suffered an injury near the conclusion of preseason, Firpo missed the most of Leeds’ opening to the league campaign due to a different problem.
The Dominican Republic-born defender has thus lost his spot in the squad to summer addition Sam Byram, a free agent who has shown himself to be a reliable left-back and has mostly managed to stay fit despite concerns about his own injury history.
In a recent interview, Firpo talked to the Spanish media about his thoughts on the cause of his recurring injury issues and the guidance he received from the team’s medical staff.
“You learn how to manage an injury, the hard way,” Firpo asserts. “I used to be really competitive, but lately it hasn’t been good for me. I’ve struggled with injuries and haven’t understood how to plan my recovery. Upon my return, they always say, ‘Take it easy, take it easy, don’t force yourself.’ Naturally, though, they force me to participate in lower-intensity training bouts because I want to succeed, give it my all, and end up hurt. The tempo is quite fast in England. Because balls are constantly being thrown in behind you and you are unable to worry about running at 80% speed, the game prevents you from playing in terror. He said, “You have to give it your all or they’ll score a goal.
Firpo acknowledges that his inability to play worries him, but he is certain that his skill as a footballer will be enough to persuade Farke to give him another opportunity to start in the starting lineup once he returns to full health.
“I’m concerned about getting hurt and not being able to participate. The coach will decide whether or not to include you, but being available is the main objective at all times. The others are footballing traits, and I believe I possess them, if you can accomplish that. The only issue is that my disabilities prevent me from doing that. As soon as you’re on the field, your worry of getting hurt goes away.
