Former Portsmouth, Bristol City and Luton Town favourite delivers update ahead of huge career decision
Joe Morrell has revealed he is back to full fitness as he targets a playing return.
And the former Pompey midfielder is adamant his best days remain ahead of him as he closes in on a long-awaited comeback.
The 28-year-old has endured a torrid 16-month injury nightmare, having undergone two knee operations and suffered from arthrofibrosis – a condition where scar tissue builds between joints.
During that time, Morrell was released by the Blues following their League One title-winning campaign in May 2024 and the expiration of his Blues contract. But he remained an ever-present on the south coast as he continued his rehabilitation at Pompey’s Hilsea training base.
While a return to playing was on the cards earlier in the season, the 37-cap Wales international suffered a fresh setback in January, which once again ruled him out for a significant period.
After detailing the heartbreaking lows during his injury nightmare, the classy operator even questioned whether a return would be possible.
But with a comeback now firmly in his sights, Morrell is targeting first-team football next term and believes his best times are still ahead of him.
Former Pompey midfielder Joe Morrell on playing return
He told The Guardian: ‘There were certainly days where I didn’t think I’d be able to get in a position to play again, moments where I’ve had conversations with people around me: ‘We might have to go down another route. Is this going to be the end of me playing?’
‘People will see I have not played for a long time and, understandably, there will be question marks. The truth is I’m fit and ready to go. I feel like I can be a better player than I was before, as well as a better person. I don’t think I’ll feel like a footballer again until that whistle goes in the first game of the season in August and it’s certainly not something I’ll take for granted.
