Defender delighted to return after an 11-month layoff.
Elliott Hewitt, the Mansfield defender, has expressed his joy at returning to the starting lineup after missing 11 months due to a cruciate ligament injury.
The former Grimsby Town player was pleased to return to action against his local club Wrexham, despite being forced off after splitting his lip after two minutes, and is now available for selection in Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two match against Crawley Town.
During a news conference at RH Academy on Wednesday, the versatile defender discussed returning to the field for the first time this season.
“It wasn’t the best of starts,” he admitted. “I believe the ball was there for him [Wrexham’s James McClean] to try and win it as well; he was a little late, but there wasn’t much I could do about it.
“It was frustrating. I broke my nose last year.
“I just put things up there to try to stop the bleeding and carry on, but the fourth official was a little strict and wouldn’t let me back on with a tissue to stop the bleeding, so I had stitches.
“It was going to take about 10 minutes, and we didn’t want to play with 10 men for the first ten minutes, so I had to come off.
“Hopefully, I’ll be involved on Saturday, and the game will go ahead. We need to get the wins on the board right now.
“There aren’t many games left, and it’s tight at the top, so we’ll do what we can.”
“We just need to keep doing what the lads have been doing all season and get as many wins and points as possible.
“We’re right up there, with a chance. Obviously, we had a blip against Wrexham, and we weren’t particularly good against Colchester. Hopefully, that is behind us now, and we can move on.”
When asked about the Stags’ goals for the final six games, the Welshman insisted the team would take each game as it came.
“It comes from the gaffer; he’s very good at keeping us grounded and taking each game as it comes.”
The 29-year-old then went on to discuss his 11-month recovery journey since his last appearance at One Call Stadium on April 25th, 2023.
“It’s been tough, boring, and a little lonely, but I had to do it, and the physio and staff here have been fantastic, so I’ve received excellent care, and hopefully it’s all behind me.
“It (the treatment) was fairly straightforward. Touch wood, I haven’t had any major setbacks, and I’ve met all of my deadlines on time. It took a long time, but everything went well.
“The lads are flying.” I’ve attended every home game, and it’s been a pleasure to watch. Obviously, I wanted to be out there, but it has been incredible to watch.”
