Christian Atsu has disclosed the reason behind his slow start to the campaign for English Premier League side Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old missed the final stretch of last term after undergoing an operation in the summer to remove a fatty lump on his knee.
He returned after during the pre-season obut failed to established himself in the side as he made five substitute appearances at the start of the campaign.
The Ghana wideman has however become a starter for Rafa Benitez’s side in their last three outings.
Speaking at the NUFC Foundation dinner, he said: "It has been more difficult to recover than I thought it would be. To be fair, it has been very difficult to come back from the injury.”
“That is normal though. It was a knee injury, and they are always difficult to recover from. With time, I am going to be back to my very best football.”
"The team was not playing so bad, so it was hard for the manager to make a decision to change the team," Atsu added.
“We played against teams in the top six, and everyone was fighting for their position. For me particularly, I need to give everything and work harder because, at the start of the season, I was not in good shape and I am still getting my fitness back to where I want it to be.”
"I am really working hard, and I am confident this is going to be a good season. I know I can get back to my best form."