A comeback with an assist

A couple of days before the clash with Gornik Zabrze, no one expected that Maciej Makuszewski would be a part of the match squad. The footballer was supposed to play for the reserves against Elana Torun, but instead, following the Friday training session, the player was given a spot in the match 18 for the first time since 139 days.

When Makuszewski tore the anterior and lateral ligaments in the December clash with Cracovia, the diagnosis was merciless. The player was supposed to be out for at least 6 months and would be forced to miss the World Cup 2018. However, within a couple of days, Makuszewski began his rehabilitation and fought hard to get back on the pitch as quickly as he could. And the more he trained, the more likely it seemed that he might appear on the field again this season.

“I have felt great those past few weeks, having been able to train with the team. I have the first post-injury appearance behind me, I regret though that the result was poor. Now I need to keep on working hard to get back to shape,” explained the winger after the Saturday league game during which he came in on the pitch 18 minutes before the final whistle and within 2 minutes managed to add an assist to his account.

Nonetheless, the match against Gornik Zabrze wasn’t a good one for Lech. Neither Makuszewski’s assist, nor Gajos’s amazing goal were enough to change the score and avoid a defeat. However, before Makuszewski appeared on the pitch, the team was losing 0:4 and managed to score 2 goals in the closing minutes of the game with the winger playing an important role. The final score was unsatisfactory, but it gave hope ahead of the next matches.

“I am thrilled about my comeback. I came on the pitch in a difficult moment and tried to do my best to help the team by giving them a big of fresh energy. We managed to score one goal, and then the second, but it was too late,” explained Makuszewski. “We aren’t going to give up. We have a couple of matches left and we want to win them,” added the winger who will most likely be given an opportunity to get back in shape in the next 4 games.

Getting into the match rhythm is of paramount importance to the player because he is still hoping to be a part of the Polish squad that will travel to Russia in summer. However, Makuszewski himself emphasised that right now all he focuses on is getting back to his best and winning the Championship. The squad for World Cup 2018 will be announced on May 15^th the latest. A couple of days later a recovery training camp will begin and within the next 3 weeks, the Polish coach will announce the 23-men squad that is going to travel to Russia.