Huddersfield Town defender Radinio Balker has expressed his delight at returning to action after a long-term ankle injury kept him sidelined for more than five months.
The 26-year-old suffered a fractured ankle in a pre-season friendly against Harrogate Town last July, forcing him to miss the first half of the campaign. However, after months of rehabilitation, Balker made his return in the 1-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in early January and has now featured five times in Huddersfield’s push for promotion.
“I’ve been smiling ever since I’ve been back,” Balker said. “Sometimes when you’re playing all the time, you lose a bit of the joy, but I definitely have that back now.”
Overcoming Injury Frustration
Balker admitted he knew his injury was serious the moment it happened.
“I didn’t want to believe it, but when it happened, I immediately felt it. I tried to walk off, but I knew I wasn’t able to.”
The Dutch-born centre-back also spoke about the mental challenge of being sidelined.
“When you’re a footballer, you just want to play football. Being stuck in the gym, lifting weights every day—that was the hardest part.”
During his time out, Huddersfield endured a seven-match winless run, making his absence even more frustrating.
“Seeing the team struggle and not being able to help was tough. The mental side of rehab was harder than the physical part.”
Managing Fitness & Promotion Push
Balker made his first start in Huddersfield’s defeat to Bolton Wanderers, but the club is carefully managing his fitness.
“If it was Saturday to Saturday, it wouldn’t be a problem, but Saturday to Tuesday is a bit too soon. It’s about managing the workload carefully.”
With 18 matches remaining and Huddersfield sitting fifth in League One, Balker is determined to make a key contribution.
“I just hope to bring calmness at the back. We need stability, and I want to contribute with my quality on the ball as well.”
Writer’s View
Huddersfield’s promotion hopes could hinge on players like Radinio Balker getting up to full speed quickly. The Terriers have lacked defensive solidity at times, and Balker’s return offers some much-needed composure at the back.
While managing his workload carefully will be key, Michael Duff will be hoping the Dutch defender can establish himself as a regular starter for the business end of the campaign.
