The Spain international tried to stay away from the training ground after suffering ligament damage in the Bavarians’ DFL-Supercup clash with Borussia Dortmund in August
Javi Martinez has revealed that he was so down after suffering a serious knee injury at the start of the season that he avoided his Bayern Munich team-mates.
The Spain international suffered ligament damage in the DFL-Supercup clash with Borussia Dortmund on August 13 and was forced to undergo surgery in the United States a week later.
Martinez was forced to use crutches after the operation and the versatile midfielder has now admitted that he was left depressed by his lack of mobility.
“That was the most difficult time,” he told Bayern’s official website. “You can’t walk, and you basically can’t do anything.
“Friends, team-mates and the physios kept geeing me up and wishing me all the best. That helped me.
“But I was really down at times and avoided contact with the team. It wasn’t an easy period.”
However, Martinez is now in the gym everyday working on his fitness and is looking forward to returning to action in the New Year.
“We’re right on track,” the former Athletic Bilbao ace added. “I’m feeling better every day.
“I’m managing more and more exercise, and that’s good for me mentally.
“My leg has to become healthy, and my head has to stay healthy, too.
“I’m working hard every day, but I have to be patient, and that’s the toughest thing of all.”