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Upbeat Mifsud and Briffa raring to go

Published: 28-02-2017 17:40
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The past few months have been anything but easy for Malta captain Michael Mifsud and his international team-mate Roderick Briffa but things are looking up for the Valletta duo. Briffa has been sidelined since September after suffering a cruciate injury but is now in the final stages of his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery in Rome. A back problem forced Mifsud to go under the knife in January but the veteran striker is close to making his comeback. “I've just returned to training with the team,” Mifsud told www.mfa.com.mt. “Thanks God, the operation was successful and the recovery is going as planned.” TOP FORM Mifsud went through a very bright patch in the November-January period, turning in a series of dynamic performances for Valletta, but his season was disrupted by the news that he needed an operation to cure a long-standing back problem. The nippy striker is determined to recapture his best form when he resumes playing. “I’m getting there, it shouldn’t be long before I’m back playing but that decision lies with the coach,” Mifsud said. “Naturally, I hope to continue where I left off before the operation. “This strong desire to extend my positive form and my love for the game kept me going during my rehabilitation as coping with injuries is always difficult. “Seeing my team-mates play and knowing that I couldn’t be there to help is frustrating... I wanted to be part of it but we’re almost there.” SLOVAKIA TARGET With Malta facing Slovakia in their next World Cup Group F qualifier on March 26, Mifsud has not given up hope of earning a call-up for that game at the National Stadium. “That’s my aim,” Mifsud, who set a new record of 123 appearances for Malta in November, said. “I hope to recover and prove my fitness and form in the weeks leading up to the Slovakia match. “Physically, I’m feeling ok, what I need is match practice.” GRADUAL APPROACH The Slovakia qualifier will probably come too soon for Briffa, another veteran stalwart of Maltese football with 92 caps under his belt, but the midfielder is edging closer to his return. “I’ve had some training sessions with the team but it’s a step-by-step process,” Briffa told www.mfa.com.mt. “I’m satisfied with the progress of my recovery but I’n not going to rush as the surgeon advised me to do things gradually. My physical condition and fitness level are improving all the time.” Briffa insisted that he has not set a specific timescale for his return but believes that it’s now a matter of weeks not months before he is back in the frame. “My injury was quite serious and the recovery has not been easy,” Briffa said. SUPPORT “If you don’t put your head into it and be prepared to make sacrifices, you will struggle to get over this kind of injury. “I received a lot of support and courage from my family, the club, supporters and the Malta FA. “Training on your own can be boring but I kept going and hopefully the worst part is behind me. I’m just raring to play again.”