All White Ryan Thomas targets 2023 for a return to play after knee surgery

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All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas hopes knee surgery will get his professional club career back on track next year.

Te Puke-born Thomas (27) is without a club after his release from top Dutch club PSV Eindhoven where he spent four injury-ravaged seasons.

But now he’s targeting 2023 for a comeback after the latest surgery on his knee, reports VoetballPrimeur.

“I’d be lying if I said it was easy. But I just can’t help it at all. I was born with these knees. But for an athlete it’s not the way it should be,” Thomas said.

“I definitely believe that I can still play well in the future.

“I have to work hard in the coming months and then we’ll see what comes. I’m not concerned with the level.

“Even if I have to start in the First Division, that’s not a big problem for the first six months. not my starting point. I will keep all doors open, but I will play football again in 2023. Absolutely.”

Since joining PSV in 2018, the former Melville United, Waikato FC and Western Suburbs player has experienced a cruciate ligament tear, and two operations on his knee and ankle.

Injuries have restricted his All Whites appearances to 19 since his debut in 2014, and he missed this year’s FIFA World Cup campaign.

Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

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