Pratley Criticises Martinez For Injury Recurrence

Darren Pratley has criticised Roberto Martinez after suffering a recurrence of last season's shoulder injury.

The Swansea City midfielder will be sidelined for 2 months and will miss the first 5 weeks of the season.

Pratley explained to Wales Online that Roberto Martinez rushed him back last season, he was back in action after 5 weeks when it was initially thought he'd be out for 10.

It's a severe blow to Pratley as he'll miss the rest of pre-season training, including the Spanish Tour which means he'll be lacking fitness on his return some time in September.

He said:

"I was told to play when I was injured,"

"I came back after five weeks when I should have been out for 10 .

"My shoulder wasn`t fixed properly last season. I was rushed back and we cut corners, which means I will miss the start of the new campaign. It was partly my fault because I wanted to play. But it was partly because I was pressured to rush back.

"It was good to come back early, but, if you cut corners, it comes back to bite you. That`s what happened to me. It`s disappointing because I should have got it fixed properly last year instead of playing. If I had got it done properly, I would be starting the season."

"I have to take it on the chin and learn from this. If I get injured again I need to do whatever is best for myself.

"There are a lot of players in football and at the end of the day you are just a piece of meat.

"I have to look after myself and I will know that in the future."

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