Returning from a recent absence which has only seen Luca Connell feature three times in all competitions this season, the 22-year-old reveals ‘mystery illness’; as per The Yorkshire Post.
Connell joined The Tykes from Scottish giants Celtic in the summer of 2022, under Michael Duff’s restructuring and ambitious rebuild. Since linking up at Oakwell, the talented midfielder became a real staple in the side, cementing his place as a regular and contributing to a fourth place finish, but ultimately falling short in the play-offs at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday in an controversially contested affair.
The instant impact he’s made in Yorkshire is commendable, securing the club’s ‘Young Player of The Year’ award as well as a earning a place in the ‘PFA League One Team of The Year’. Across 39 league appearances in the previous campaign, the Liverpudlian contributed two goals alongside 11 assists, an exceptional tally for someone who plays as a deep-lying midfielder.
A product and in turn graduate of the Bolton Wanderers academy, Connell has featured for the Republic of Ireland across many age groups, ranging from U17s through to U21s, but still awaits the prestigious senior call-up which should come in due course.
Therefore, it was a significant blow to new-man Neill Collins’ preparations heading into this campaign, when his star-man was diagnosed with a mystery illness, keeping the youngster bed-bound. After multiple tests, Connell was eventually diagnosed with ‘post viral-fatigue‘.
Post viral-fatigue, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and a range of other symptoms, often associated to the flu.
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, regarding his illness, Barnsley’s ’48’ stated;
“It was a strange one, you can’t prepare for it and don’t know it is coming. It was just all of a sudden, (but) it’s in the past now hopefully and I can just push on.”
“It was just headaches and (feeling) wiped-out, tired and sick. It was just all of it, really, but constant throughout the day.”
Understandably, following the lengthy lay-off, Connell has gradually been integrated back into the first team, featuring in cup competitions against the likes of Horsham FC as well as Bradford City.
Reflecting on the past, but more importantly focusing on the present, Connell added;
“I was probably on the couch for 11 or 12 weeks, maybe. Then, it was a case of coming back in and I had to start doing walks and jogs and I am feeling good, that’s the main thing.”
“I just had to rest and look after myself. Thanks to the physios and medical team, it’s all good now.”
It’s always important to remember the stresses and affects the profession leaves on footballers. Connell admits the illness had implications on his mental well-being too;
“You miss it when you are on the couch and thinking of training and the laugh in the changing rooms and everything like that.”
“Families and friends are the ones there for you and I was back in Liverpool for most of it with my family. They looked after me.”
Neill Collins’ men travel to Sincil Bank to face Lincoln City on Saturday where Luca Connell will be hopeful of featuring for the first time in the league this season.
Writer’s View
Following a lengthy spell away, Barnsley’s midfield general will be ready and raring to go when the chance arising to feature in the league.
Last season, Connell was an influential figure amongst the side, dictating the play. The Yorkshire club will be eager to get him back to his best and back on the pitch, where he belongs.
