Brazilian striker Reinaldo is confident he is nearing the end of his battle with injury and is looking forward to running again for the first time since he was sidelined in October with osteitis pubis.
The lanky forward returned to training on Tuesday with some gym work, following a trip to Brazil which included a visit to Brazilian national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
Lasmar, who treats the likes of Kaká and Ronaldinho, conducted an MRI scan on the Queensland Roar attacker which drew some positive results.
“He said my pelvis is still a little bit inflamed but probably in a month it will be gone and I can start running properly with the guys,” Reinaldo said.
“I’m very confident. This week I started training with the guys and I’m very happy because it was a long wait but now I can start again.”
“The guys were joking that I have quit football and just become a bodybuilder now!”
Reinaldo will continue his rehabilitation under the watchful eye of Roar physio Tony Ganter.
“I decided to come back because Tony Ganter is amazing as well,” he said. “He helped me a lot with my injury here and I will follow whatever he decides to do.”
The Brazilian striker started just six games – making nine appearances in total – last season as he struggled to regain his fitness following a short-lived stint in Korea.
He finally succumbed to the injury and watched the club’s finals campaign from the sidelines.
“Playing football is my life,” he said. “I was very frustrated and confused because I wanted to help the team and train with the guys but in the last six months I haven’t been able to, but this is football.”
“I think the guys had a good season last year but if we’re always third it’s not good for us.”
“We need to win the A-League and to play in the Asian Champions League is very important for the club and the players as well. We have to think big this year and do a good job.”
Queensland Roar will next week enter the third week of pre-season training ahead of the start to the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season.
