MK Dons – Mitchell Recovery On Track

If there is one person that new manager Roberto Di Matteo was likely to make a bond with almost instantly after his arrival at the club, it would be Paul Mitchell.

For Di Matteo can antagonise and relate to every single feeling that the midfielder is going through, having experienced a career-ending triple-leg break while playing in a UEFA Cup tie for Chelsea during his own playing days.

Mitchell explains how having someone around who has been through similar pains can only be a positive thing for the group.

Speaking to the official site, he said, ‘The manager spoke to me very early on, he’s been great having been through a similar situation himself and he knows what I’m going through. He’s told me if I think I need a day off here and there he’s happy for me to take it.’

‘Everything I was saying he understood because he’s been through it himself. He knows how long it takes to recover, he knows that the first bit is adrenaline-fuelled and now it’s about getting into the everyday training.’

‘He gives me help and little pointers along the way so it’s great to have somebody here who’s been through what I’m going through.’

Mitchell has begun to participate in full training alongside his team-mates, however he refuses to get carried away with his progress.

It’s been a case of seeing how each day of training goes, seeing where we can go after that and the leg has been superb so far.

‘The training’s been excellent, I feel like I’ve been getting a lot out of it and I’m confident I can maintain that.’

He admits he has one eye on making a return in the upcoming pre-season friendlies, however he is adamant he will not rush back if advised to take things slower.

‘It’d be nice but I’m not pinning my hopes on it. We’re taking things a step at a time and maybe the friendlies will be a step too far at this stage.’

‘I’ll have a chat with the Gaffer and if he thinks I’m ready then that’s the important thing.’

The 26-year-old is sure to be needed around stadium:mk this campaign, with the current squad standing at a worrying nineteen, with just weeks to go before the big season kick-off.