Good. We could do with him turning in performances like the Swansea fans say he's capable of. Not the ones we saw earlier in the season.
The World Cup in summer could be the reason he's trying so hard to get back. Hope so anyway. Abel Hernández has spoken of his desire to play his part in the Tigers' survival bid after missing the last six months through injury. The 27-year-old striker began the campaign in impressive fashion, netting three goals in three appearances at the start of the season - all of which came in the Tigers' 4-1 victory over Burton Albion at the KCOM Stadium. However, the ruptured Achilles suffered by the Uruguayan against Wolves in what was only the third game of the season has led to a frustrating spell on the sidelines, during which the Tigers have become embroiled in a battle against relegation at the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table. Hernández admits his injury-enforced absence has been a 'difficult period' in his life, but with a return to both training and action targeted this month, the former Peñarol and Palermo man is aiming to play a key role in the Tigers' end-of-season run-in. "My rehab is going well and I'm going to be back out training with my team-mates again soon which I'm really happy about," he said. "It has been a very difficult period and the first two months were particularly hard. Football is my life and I couldn’t do something that was my passion. "The hardest thing was being able to get over the situation. When it happened, I thought it was purely bad luck, but with the help of my psychologist, I understood that although it was a difficult moment, I could do many things to get over the situation. "Little by little, I began to feel a bit better and started working hard in training to recover as quickly as possible. "I could not turn back time, but I could do things to be better. I focused on that and in giving my full-effort in my recovery. "From the third month, things were changing. I saw progress every day and this gave me something to focus on. "Thanks to my family, my parents, my girlfriend, and to all the people who love me, I was able to come through. "It has been a difficult time but thankfully it is about to come to an end. The worst is behind me. It has gone fairly quick and now I am on the last step before I return to what I want to do the most. "My objective is to be out there on the pitch, supporting my team-mates in this difficult campaign. "The Championship is very tough but, as a team, we have great players to get ourselves out of the situation. "It is important that the Club stays in this division and my aim is to play a part in making that happen." And as well as firing in the goals to help the Tigers move away from trouble in the Sky Bet Championship table, Hernández is also hoping to impress on the pitch in the coming months in order to secure a spot in the Uruguay squad for this summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. "We did things well throughout the qualifiers and that was rewarded with qualification," he added. "Qualifying directly to the World Cup is not an easy thing to do and I was extremely happy for my team-mates and for the coaching staff. "The most important thing is that I get back to my condition and level before my injury, but to be able to fight to play in this World Cup is important for me. "It’s the dream of every footballer to represent his country and I am no different. It is my dream too. "It is going to be difficult because I will only have a few months ahead but it is not impossible, so I am going to try and do it the best I can - for Club and country."
I expect him to sign with Villa if he ever does play again. Despite us putting him through two years of rehab, someone else will benefit! It’s Ehabs way! Heard it here first!
I don’t think he will. Surely Bruce knows better than anyone Abel really hasn’t cut it in the Premier League. I fully expect the lad to already be in advanced discussions for a move abroad. I can see him at a skint mid-table Serie A side, maybe Samp, Bologna, Genoa. Maybe back to Palermo if they’re promoted or even someone like Lazio if Immobile gets picked off in the summer. Only way I can see him going to Villa is if they don’t go up.
Imagine IF we could have 2 proper full backs (Dave and Kingsley) and AH up front; all fit and firing for the last 15 league games. What a difference that would make. Big IF I know.
My mistake, I didn’t even look at the pic and just assumed with talk of Villa and the story above it meant Abel.
Dawson and Grosicki both still injured, Dawson returned to training today, but Grosicki still can't even get a boot on apparently. Toral's back in contention.
