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Cody McDonald is still on track to make his comeback from long-term injury this season – despite leaving Ebbsfleet United.
The 33-year-old striker has been out of action since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament playing for Fleet against Hartlepool in February 2019.
With McDonald still up to eight weeks away from a return, Fleet took up an option to terminate his deal this week.
“The club have been great from the start when I did the injury,” said McDonald.
“They gave me another year but in my contract there was a clause that I had to be available for selection by December 31, and if not then they had an option to terminate my contract.
“I haven’t managed to get back by then so it’s understandable. The club stood by me and I’m disappointed that I’ve not managed to repay them.
“I feel I can still offer a lot to the team but that’s football. Decisions have to be made in football and I respect that.
“They gave me the opportunity to get as fit as I can and I’m probably six to eight weeks away from a return to training.”
McDonald went under the surgeon’s knife last March but his return is still on schedule, despite Fleet deciding to cut ties with the popular striker.
“When I first did the injury the first thing you do is go on Google and see what it says, you see 6-9 months or 9-12 months,” added McDonald.
“When we negotiated the contract at Ebbsfleet, that nine months was in mind.
“But when I had the operation, they found more damage. So actually, I’m on schedule but the schedule for me is 12 months which, the more I have learnt about the injury, is actually par for the course in lower-league football.
“I had the operation in the second week of March and I’m hoping to be back by the end of March.”
McDonald is determined not to let this injury end his career and is keen to get back.
There’s already been interest in the former Gillingham, Norwich City and Coventry City forward.
“No one wants to go out on a bad injury and I’m 33,” he added. “I’ve worked this hard to get to where I am now it would be a shame to throw that away.
“As long as my knee is fine when I come back – and I’ve been told there should be no issues with it – the success rate from the operation now is very high.
“I’m determined to get back. I still enjoy football and it’s been frustrating for me to be stuck in the gym and not be able to help the lads on the pitch.
“It’s not easy to find a club that’s willing to take me. I’ve had a couple of calls in the past few days but they’re looking for strikers to come in now. If they are willing to wait, I don’t know.”
McDonald also paid tribute to Ebbsfleet physio Calum Green, who has been by his side throughout his rehab – the pair even driving to the club together.
“Calum has been brilliant to me,” said McDonald. “He lives in Harwich and I’m in Essex so we travel in every day as he drives virtually past my house.
“We’ve become good friends and will stay in contact, and he has offered to continue helping with my recovery. I’d like to thank him for what he’s done for me, for sure.”
