Jodi Jones won’t have to look too far for a source of inspiration having suffered another anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Coventry City winger was becoming an integral part of Mark Robins’ side last season, having netted five goals and delivered eight assists, when he was stretchered off in the draw at Stevenage last November.
Jones would miss the rest of the Sky Blues’ promotion winning campaign, and upon his return this season - as a late substitute against Sunderland in September - it proved to be a real boost to Robins’ selection pool.
The 21-year-old sparked euphoric scenes when he netted a stoppage time winner at Southend - his first goal in almost a year - and became a dependable figure from the bench.
To go down, with nobody around him, and to immediately signal for aid in the recent draw with Peterborough, was a mental hammer blow.
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How do you bounce back, at such a young age, from not one but TWO season-ending injuries?
The truth is, Coventry’s very own son Callum Wilson is a figure Jones can take encouragement from.
Wilson left for Bournemouth in 2014 and fired the Cherries to the Premier League. He started his first season at England’s top table like a house on fire having netted five goals in six matches before being ruled out for seven months.
The same would happen again to his other knee in February 2017, this time during your average training session.
Wilson would battle back a second time and, not only return to Eddie Howe’s side, but excel.
He’s now been called up to the England squad - scoring on his debut - and is the joint third highest scorer in the Premier League, alongside Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard.
Wilson is undoubtedly an individual who can relate to Jones’ current situation - and also an example of how to overcome such difficulties.
Jones’ midfield colleague Tom Bayliss has backed his teammate to return stronger, too.
“I am gutted for Jodi,” Bayliss said.
“I spoke to him yesterday after he had his operation and I said to him you’ll be back stronger you’ve got the mental toughness.
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“I am sure he’ll be back better than ever.”
Teammates Max Biamou - who himself has been sidelined since the 2-0 defeat at Blackpool back at the end of August - and Brandon Mason also offered their consolations to Jones via social media.
WHAT THE FANS SAID
Sky Blues supporters, understandably gutted for Jones, sent their best wishes to the winger via social media.
They also pointed to Wilson as an example of how perseverance in the midst of such a set-back can eventually bear fruit.
Graham Wareham: Devastated for the lad, stay positive Jodi come back stronger. Pusb
Chris Balding: Gutted for @JodsJones but I believe you will come back stronger. #pusb #ccfc #skyblues
CAO : Actually so gutted for him, trained so hard to come back then to get punished like that
Dave D: Think positive, think Calum Wilson. And don’t rush it
Jethro Parsons: Devastated for you @JodsJones but keep fighting. Look at @CallumWilson as an example of how you can come back stronger. It’ll be hard but you’ve got this
Olly Mumford: @JodsJones you’ll come back even stronger keep your head and and stay motivated. Every cov fan is behind you!
Jordan : @JodsJones Look at Callum Wilson and how far he has come from 2 ACLs! You’ll come back again stronger than ever! #pusb
PSB Group: Nightmare for @JodsJones I’m sure Callum Wilson bounced back from 2 of the exact injuries to then go on and play and score for England at the top level. So it goes to show you can come back stronger and reach your best level. Stay strong Jodi #pusb
Mike Hoban: Gotta feel for @JodsJones speak to @CallumWilson for inspiration everything’s possible #pusb
Rob Jones: I accept you may be in a dark place @JodsJones but try and use @CallumWilson as your inspiration. You will return - stronger, fitter and more determined. Until then we are with you every step of that journey #pusb #sba
Cov City Podcast: Awww @JodsJones! Cov fans will always be behind you and will be rooting for you during your recovery. Take inspiration from people like Callum Wilson, you’ll come back stronger and show everyone what you can do again. Keep your chin up!
