Blackburn Rovers favourite Scott Wharton has taken a notable step in his injury recovery, starting running on an anti-gravity treadmill.
Blackburn Rovers have been without Wharton since earlier this year and he’ll remain on the road to recovery for some time yet.
The popular centre-back was forced off through injury in a clash with Sheffield Wednesday back in April and in the wake of his withdrawal, it was confirmed that he had a serious knee injury. As such, he was ruled out until 2025 with the expectation he would miss much of the current campaign.
The hometown defender has been no stranger though, remaining around the training ground for his recovery and even mingling with fans in away ends to support his teammates.
Now, Blackburn Rovers have shared a big step in Wharton’s road to recovery.
The Championship side shared on their various social media channels footage of the 27-year-old starting to run for the first time. He has done so with the help of an anti-gravity treadmill, which bears a portion of the weight to provide support while running.
“It feels a bit weird,” the Blackburn Rovers man said.
“I can’t explain it. It’s like riding a bike, once you get going you’re alright but it’s that first minute or so.”
The long road back
It’s been a long way to this point for Wharton and there’s a lot of work to do before he can grace the pitch for Blackburn Rovers again, but there’s no doubt that this is a big step in his comeback.
The physios and medical staff at Ewood Park will be easing him back into further activity while he continues gym work and rehabilitation.
Wharton was a strong and consistent player for John Eustace in the run-in, locking down a starting spot. It meant the injury came at a bad time, but he’ll be confident of proving his worth again once he returns to full fitness.
In his absence
While Wharton has remained out, Dom Hyam and Hayden Carter have locked down the starting berths.
Blackburn Rovers have cover in summer signing Danny Batth and veteran Kyle McFadzean. Connor O’Riordan is a promising young option gaining further experience out on loan in League One.
Rovers have started the new season well despite losing their last two games. Eustace’s men had gone unbeaten prior to the losses and sit in 8th, still far above where many expected them to be.
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