Adelaide United striker Bruce Djite is fit, fresh and ready to go for Friday’s night clash with Melbourne Heart at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Djite has not featured for the Reds since injuring his groin as a substitute late in the game against Melbourne Victory on October 14.
It was originally feared the 24-year-old would be out of action for up to four weeks, but the former Gold Coast United attacker has returned quicker than expected.
Djite said it was a testament to Adelaide United’s medical staff for getting him fit and ready ahead of schedule.
“Initially it was a four-week groin tear but I’m back to full training in two weeks and I think that’s got a lot to do with the process and the way the medical staff have treated me here,” Djite said.
“I’ve got to give a shout out to Adelaide United’s medical staff because of the way they handled my injury to get me back ahead of schedule.”
“The way they’ve done it is a testament to them … the rehab has gone pretty smoothly and I’m fit, fresh and ready to go.”
Following the embarrassing 7-1 loss to Brisbane Roar last week, Djite said it was important to recognise the result and make the necessary changes to remedy the issues from the poor showing.
“It’s not something where we say ‘let’s forget about it and move forward’, we have got to rectify the problems and maybe make some changes,” Djte said
“But if we keep dwelling on it (the 7-1 loss) then it can hurt us … so it’s important to move forward and look to the next game, and that’s what we are doing with Melbourne Heart.”
Many pundits tipped the Reds for a top-two finish this year and Djite said it’s up to the players to get back on track.
“I think everyone has got a lot to prove now.”
“Training has been fantastic this week, everyone is fit, so the competition for places is hotter than it is before.”
“Everyone has got to put their hand up now and show a bit of character and what we are about.”
“I think we really do need to show the fans more than ourselves or anyone else, that we are a good team and that we are going to do them proud when they come to support us.”
