GRIBBIN POISED TO MAKE COMEBACK
Callum Gribbin is set to make his comeback from injury in Wednesday's Premier League International Cup tie against Athletic Club at Leigh Sports Village.
The skilful midfielder looks likely to be involved in the live MUTV encounter as the Reserves aim to build on the win in the tournament opener against Swansea City. After suffering a fractured fibula on the eve of the season, it has been a frustrating time for the 18-year-old but he is excited to be a little ahead of schedule with his return.
"When we first heard about the injury, everyone thought it was going to be a long time [out]," he told MUTV. "But it wasn't too bad compared to what was thought. Obviously, I still had to put the work in to get up to speed.
"I was flying in pre-season and felt everything was going well. I got the injury three days before the first game of the season, in training, so it was disappointing. But it was one of things and you've got to learn from it.
"It's been tough but I've been working hard with Matthew Olosunde, as we've been injured together, and trying to push ourselves to get back. We've both returned to training so it's been good.
"It was a bit of a setback but I responded well and the physio has been amazing with me, working me hard every day in the gym. I've been coming in and working hard and, finally, I'm back.
"I've been training now for about two weeks so, hopefully, Bilbao is my first game [of the season] and I hope to be involved. I'm buzzing to be back."
The Reds were beaten in the knockout stages of the competition last season by eventual winners Porto but, after the win against Swansea, Gribbin feels the Under-23s can go far this time around.
"Hopefully, we can have a proper run in this competition this year," he said. "Something we didn't quite do well last season. We've learned from it and are ready to push on.
"I think they will be quite technical but I think we have other strengths like speed, pace and power. I think we have good enough players to match them when it comes to the technical side too."
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