Chalobah hoping to recover from knee injury in time for World Cup
Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah says he is fighting hard to keep his World Cup dreams alive.
The 23-year-old is out with a fractured kneecap and is reluctant to put a time scale on his return to action with the Hornets, but hopes to get enough minutes under his belt to convince England boss Gareth Southgate to take him to Russia this summer.
In August Chalobah completed his progression through the England age groups when he was called up to the senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Malta and Slovakia.
Chalobah, who moved to Watford from Chelsea in the summer for £5million to play more first team football, hopes he will not miss out on the chance to represent his country on the biggest stage this summer.
“My injury is OK, it’s getting there, I’ve still got a few weeks to go but I’m not far off. Hopefully I’ll make it in time for the World Cup, fingers crossed,” said Chalobah, speaking at Outwoods Primary School, Burton-upon-Trent, to promote 100 days to go until the stars of tomorrow arrive for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. England are first-time hosts of the tournament, which will take place from 4-20 May across 10 match days at six venues: Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Burton Albion, Walsall, St. George’s Park and Loughborough University.
“The plan is to get back into the Watford team before the end of the season to give myself a chance,” added Chalobah.
“Getting my first senior call-up was amazing – I was shocked, I didn’t know what to do. I can’t really explain it – I just froze on the spot. I looked back in my mind to when I was playing at all the different age groups.
“And then getting that final call up for the senior side was really a moment to be proud of, and hopefully it will be even better when I make my debut, so fingers crossed that will happen sooner rather than later.
“All the players that do get called into the set-up are top players, from each of their respective clubs, and the opportunity to just mix around the players who are the best of the best was very important.
“From the time I was there I really learned a lot from different players and took bits and pieces away from what others were good at and how I can improve on my game.
“I just tried to take as much as I could on board and improve myself. And for these young boys going into tournaments – it’s an opportunity to see what level you are at and how you can improve and how you can be better.”
It has been all change at Vicarage Road in the last week following the departure of Marco Silva, who was replaced by Javi Gracia.
Due to his injury, Chalobah, who has been rehabbing at St. George’s Park, has yet to meet the new Hornets boss but insists morale in the squad is still high despite the changes at the top.
He added: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to the new manager because I haven’t been back at the club – I’m waiting to meet him face to face.
“As a player my only focus is to play games and do well for the club – all the rest of the things happening externally and with the managers, I don’t really pay too much attention to.
“Morale is still positive around the club – we’ve got a lot of experienced heads in there – Troy Deeney, Heurelho Gomes, Ben Watson. We’ve got leaders in there and great characters.
“Every team goes through a bit of a bad patch and I’m sure we’ll kick on soon and start getting some more points and finish the season on a high.”
Chalobah has been announced as an ambassador for the UEFA Under-17 European Championship, having won the tournament in 2010 with the likes of Ross Barkley and Jack Butland.
Chalobah did not hesitate in accepting the role and hopes this crop of youngsters gain as much as he did when he won the tournament.
He said: “I have great memories of playing in the competition back in 2010. The nerves and excitement I went through before the Championships were unreal.
“And I am sure it will be the same for the young players who will be taking part this year in an England jersey – especially now it is just 100 days until it begins.
“Some of the biggest names in world football today have all played in the Championships previously.
“When I was asked to be an ambassador for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship I did not hesitate in accepting. It was a simple decision. I remember playing – and winning – the tournament, so I am proud and honoured to help.”
See the stars of tomorrow in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, 4-20 May 2018. Visit www.TheFA.com/U17Euro for tickets and further information.
