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Midfielder eyes return after receiving Three Lions cap

2024-06-18T11:00:00.000Z

BAURESS ON INJURY REHAB AND ENGLAND EXPERIENCE

Midfielder eyes return after receiving Three Lions cap

2024-06-18T11:00:00.000Z

Midfielder eyes return after receiving Three Lions cap

Academy prospect Joe Bauress recently received an extra boost of motivation as he continues his recovery from surgery that’s kept him out for the best part of a year.

The 18-year-old was sent a commemorative cap by the FA in recognition of his three England U18s appearances in June 2023, shortly before he damaged the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee.

The Young Lions played three friendly matches in 10 days in Portugal, starting with a two all draw with Norway in which the Clarets Academy product made his full debut at that level.

Bauress, who plays in central midfield, then replaced David Ozoh in a 3-2 victory over Australia before coming on for Jobe Bellingham in another stalemate with Portugal.

“I had really good feedback off the England coaches and it was a really positive camp for me," he said.

“As a kid you want to grow up and play for England and that’s what you say to your mates when you’re playing in the street.

“To do it and have everybody watching me was a good experience that all of my family are proud of.”

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That high unfortunately soon turned to despair, as Bauress explained: “Towards the end of pre-season I was playing in an U21s friendly against Huddersfield Town and my leg collapsed in when I planted it.

“Two weeks later I was in London having an operation with a specialist, which went well.

“The next six weeks were about trying to extend and bend the leg, but that was very painful. I couldn’t fully extend it, so we had to go back to the surgeon for extra advice.

“I might have needed another operation but with the help of the medical team here we avoided that.”

Then came an extended period of rehabilitation with lots of lower body work, with a lack of activity causing the loss of muscle mass.

Bauress was also prescribed OxyContin tablets, which he admits knocked him sick on occasion given their strength.

The Merseysider was eventually involved in Burnley U21s’ last six weeks of the season, taking part in training at various levels.

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“Initially it was one-to-ones with the physios,” he said.

“I’d go out with Will Carlos and Richard Jackson, who’d assess my running patterns because there were some things that needed to be put in as a precaution.

“I started running at 50% and gradually increased that to 80% or 90% within a few weeks, which is quite a quick process.

“Before I knew it I was into the warm-up and technical elements with no contact, and I started full contact training before the end of the season.”

The youngster was keen to highlight the support he’s had from everybody at Burnley with regards to his rehabilitation, with the plan being for him to feature in pre-season ahead of 2024/25.

He reserved some special words for his peers, saying: “I’ve always tried to stay close with all of my team-mates while I’ve been out.

“It’s so important to have good relationships with them because we’re together almost every day.

“I’ve had a lot of support from them and they’ve kept my head up through probably one of the hardest periods of my life.”