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Knee Bother But Jack's Relieved
Written by Newcastle Utd
Jack Colback has spoken of his relief that his knee injury will only keep him out for up to six weeks
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Jack Colback has spoken of his relief that the knee injury he suffered in the Tyne-Wear derby will only keep him out for up to six weeks.
The Killingworth-born midfielder went down under a challenge from Lee Cattermole early in the second half at the Stadium of Light ten days ago, and was unable to continue.
It looked as if Colback would spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines but a series of assessments and scans allayed United's biggest fears.
"It's better than we first thought, so that's a positive," the 26-year-old told nufc.co.uk.
"I'm disappointed to be injured but from what it could have been, it's not too bad.
"Where my foot was planted it just twisted the wrong way. It's unfortunate but it happens.
"It was a feeling I hadn't felt before, so straight away I knew something wasn't right. I was trying to stay on but the physios and doctor told me it was no good and I had to come off.
"I had an initial scan where we feared it was going to be a bit longer (on the sidelines).
"That was followed by a further scan and we then went to see a specialist in London who gave us the better news that it's around six weeks. It was as good as it could have been."
By his own admission, this is the worst injury of Colback's career to date - something he knows is fortunate.
The former England Under-20 internationals watched the Magpies' goalless draw against Stoke at the weekend from the stands at St. James' Park and found himself frustrated at being unable to help his teammates.
But he is confident Newcastle will be in a better position in the Premier League table by the time he is back in action.
"Touch wood, I haven't had many bad injuires," Colback continued.
"Before this, the longest I was out was four weeks, so this is the worst of my career so far.
"I suppose I've been lucky, when you look at other players and what they've been through, but you can't prevent injuries - it's part of the game - so you just have to get on with it.
"Every player is the same when they get injured - they don't want to be in the treatment room. You never want to miss any games but I'm just trying to look at the positives that it could have been a lot worse.
"Right now I'm just resting to help the knee heal, and once that stage is out of the way I will be doing rehab before trying to get outside again as quickly as I can.
"It's worse watching matches from the stands. From my experience, it's a lot easier playing than watching.
"It will be a tough few weeks but the team are playing well and hopefully we can start turning those performances into victories."