Doncaster Rovers’ skipper Richard Wood has shed light on the extent of the ankle injury that kept him out for over half the season—an ordeal that nearly saw him face permanent consequences.
The centre-half revealed that what was first thought to be a minor issue escalated dramatically. It ended up keeping him sidelined for six months, requiring multiple surgeries and intense rehabilitation.
Wood made his long-awaited return last month in a substitute appearance at Accrington before starting for the first time since August in the away draw at Crewe. But the road back has been anything but straightforward.
‘It could have ended much worse’
The injury worsened with time, eventually leading to an infection deep in the joint of his ankle. Medical professionals warned that if it hadn’t been treated promptly, it could have led to ankle fusion surgery—a drastic outcome that might have hindered his ability to walk normally.
“I’m a lot happier because it feels as if I’ve been in the wilderness for six months which wasn’t nice. I’m 40 in July but it’s still hard when you’re injured.
“I have struggled with it and had complications. But I’m fit now and have trained every day for the last four weeks or so, so I’m happy.
“My ankle got infected, deep in the joint. If we’d have not caught it or sorted it when we did I’d have had to have my ankle fused together which would have meant I wouldn’t have been able to walk properly again.”
While now back in the fold, Wood remains cautious. His current deal with Doncaster expires at the end of the season, and though he has the desire to continue, he admits it all hinges on how his body holds up in the coming weeks.
“I want to carry on, if my body permits me,” he said in the interview. His goal now is to stay in the team, impress manager Grant McCann, and help guide the side in their push for promotion.
Rovers face Carlisle United this weekend in what could be a pivotal clash as the season enters its closing stretch. Having endured back-to-back injury-hit campaigns, Wood is desperate to finish this one strongly and repay the club’s faith.
Site opinion
Richard Wood’s journey back from such a severe setback is a story of quiet determination. It’s easy to forget the physical toll on players—particularly veterans—when their bodies are pushed to breaking point. That he’s returned at such a crucial stage is a major lift for Rovers, both on and off the pitch. Whether or not he earns a new contract, his leadership during this run-in could prove decisive.
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