Charlton Athletic striker Miles Leaburn has spoken candidly about the emotional and physical toll of recovering from a serious hamstring injury – and how the experience forced him to grow up quickly.
The 21-year-old was sidelined for nearly 10 months after suffering the injury in a 2-1 victory over Cheltenham Town in November 2023. Although he returned to the first team in October, coming off the bench in a 3-2 defeat at Bristol Rovers, Leaburn admits he is still on the journey back to full sharpness.
“I had to mature mentally quite quickly. I had to stay positive. I was the only person injured at the time and it was just me in the gym. It was a long process with a lot of setbacks. Originally I thought it would be five months and it ended up being 10…
“During the injury, I thought: ‘Am I going to be the same player? Am I going to be able to do what I was doing before?’ They were big questions that were weighing on me mentally. I don’t think I’m the same yet – even now – but I’m getting back slowly. I still have a way to go.”
Leaburn has managed to find the net 10 times across all competitions this season, featuring in 32 matches. But more than the goals, the focus has shifted for the young forward – staying injury-free and being disciplined with his body has become his top priority.
Leaburn Dismissed Advice
Reflecting on his development, Leaburn admits that he once dismissed advice from medical staff, but the injury has changed his outlook.
“As a young player, you get told to do things by medical staff but sometimes you think: ‘Ah, I’ll be fine anyway.’ But the proof is loud and clear for me. I haven’t really picked anything up since – and I want to keep it that way.”
To ensure his long-term fitness, the club extended his recovery time, including a six-week stint at St George’s Park working with Game Changer Performance. Leaburn skipped a summer break to focus solely on rehab.
Now competing with experienced forwards Matty Godden, Tyreece Campbell and Chuks Aneke, Leaburn says he’s learning every day. He credits his fellow strikers for sharing their knowledge – from movement and timing to the psychological nuances of the game.
Writer’s View
Leaburn’s story is a poignant reminder of the mental battles that accompany long-term injuries, especially for young players under pressure to perform. His honesty, resilience, and willingness to learn from senior teammates show a level of maturity that bodes well for both his personal development and Charlton’s promotion push.
With Godden’s experience and Leaburn’s hunger, the Addicks’ strike force looks well-balanced as they chase a return to the Championship.
