Ricketts won't be rushed back

Bolton defender Sam Ricketts insists he will not rush back as he bids to recover from an Achilles injury.

Trotters stopper undergoes rehab on Achilles problem

Bolton defender Sam Ricketts insists he will not rush back to full fitness as he bids to recover from an Achilles injury. The 29-year-old full-back sustained the problem during a cup clash at the Reebok Stadium in February and he has since undergone a period of rehabilitation in America. Welshman Ricketts admits he is erring on the side of caution as he does not want a repeat of the injury on his return. He told the club's official website: "It's not just been a case of mending the Achilles and training again. We found I had actually lost my walking technique and I had to learn all over again. "The trip to the US gave me a couple of ideas about my recovery. The club have been great, so I owe it to them to make sure I do this right. "It's all a gradual progression but I'm walking well now and it's a case of bringing that into my running. "There's a lot of work in the pool where the bodyweight is taken off, and I've been working on this machine, like a treadmill, that straps me in and allows me to work at 20 per cent of my bodyweight. "Of course I want to be back among the lads and out there on the field. I could probably rush things and get back by the start of the season but I'm looking long term. Taking those extra few weeks will be worth it."