UD Almería’s Portuguese midfielder Gui Guedes is approaching the halfway point of his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on 22 August for a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. His recovery was initially estimated at around 2 months. As the player himself explained: 'We’re on the right timeline. It’s all part of the process, the discomfort is gradually easing and we must be patient.'

The UD Almería midfielder visited the studios of UDA Radio, the Club’s official station, at the UD Almería Stadium. 'After the opening-day game against CD Eldense, I felt some discomfort but I thought it was just fatigue and nothing serious. When they told me I was injured and would need surgery, I was devastated. But then I thought about it and realised it could've been worse. Given the circumstances…' said Gui Guedes.

The 24-year-old revealed: 'When I was about to go into the operating theatre, they told me I'd be out for around 6 months. But after the operation, they told me the recovery period would be much shorter, between a month and a half and 2 months, which was a huge relief.'

The Santa Marta de Penaguião native was keen to highlight the strong support he has received from his team-mates and the coaching staff: 'I feel really loved by my team-mates and the coaching staff. They’ve supported me a lot from the very beginning. When I was about to undergo surgery, the team were travelling to Tenerife and I kept receiving messages from my team-mates. My parents and my girlfriend are also here, so I feel very well supported. I’m in the best hands possible. We have a fantastic medical team at the Club.'

Guedes explained what his daily routine looks like during his recovery: 'I have breakfast with my team-mates every morning, then I have physiotherapy, do some work-outs in the gym and sometimes go out onto the pitch to do a few exercises. It’s something that really helps me mentally.'

The UD Almería central midfielder also expressed his frustration at the timing of the injury: 'It’s a shame that the injury came just when I had the coaching staff’s confidence and was feeling good. But I’m working hard to come back fully fit and stronger.'

Watching matches from the stands is even more difficult, he admitted, before adding that he remains positive about the team’s progress: 'I believe the team is improving well. We’re very strong at home, and we’re getting better away from home. I’m very optimistic.'