Barnes: Coming Back Stronger

- Leicester City are back at LCFC Training Ground ahead of the 2021/22 season
- Harvey Barnes is continuing his return from a knee injury which was sustained in February
- The Academy graduate is determined to pick up where he left off last term
- Barnes scored 13 goals before his season was ended by injury

The Academy graduate and England international was enjoying a magnificent campaign for the Foxes, hitting 13 goals in all competitions, before sitting out the final months as Brendan Rodgers' men finished fifth in the Premier League and lifted the Emirates FA Cup.

Now, though, after working with the Club's medical and sports science staff, Barnes has participated in pre-season testing and training at LCFC Training Ground this week. Following weeks of rehabilitation and recovery, the 23-year-old is nearing a return to full training in Seagrave.

"It’s been a good first day," he told LCFC TV outside the King Power Centre. "It’s always tough. You have to get all the testing done, but it’s good to see everyone back and see a few happy faces. It cheers everyone up doesn’t it, so it’s good to be back.

"It was a strange one. Obviously, the back end of last season was a frustrating period where you’re trying to get yourself back fit and you’re watching on from the sidelines.

"You can’t do a lot and then, over the summer, I’ve been in a lot just rehabbing and trying to get back to 100 per cent again. It’s been good today. I’ve been in the training ground a lot but I’ve seen everyone’s faces and I’ve got some company so it’s been really good. It’s been really positive."

Despite having suffered injuries during his youth career, that knee complaint was the first major issue of Barnes' senior career, but he's now confident he can pick up where he left off and continue to be a valuable source of attacking endeavour for Leicester.

"It’s probably my first really serious injury since I’ve been playing first team football," he added. "I had some when I was younger, but not to this level. It’s been a new test. It’s come at a bad time, but there’s never a great time. With the season I was having, I was really confident at the time.

"I felt like, in every game, something was going to happen, so it’s been both a physical and mental challenge, but it’s all learning curves. I’ve come out the other side stronger."

Barnes is now focused on helping City build on the progress made over recent seasons - with European football on the agenda once more in 2021/22 - and the England international says working at LCFC Training Ground in pre-season can help them achieve their aspirations.

"It’s going to be a good season, I think," Barnes explained. "Everyone’s really positive. Of course, last year, it was a bittersweet one maybe. It was a great season. We had the ups and downs.

"Hopefully this season we can have more exciting times to come. I’ve been out for a good period of time, so it’ll be nice to get out on the pitch and pick up where I left off hopefully.

"It’s our first proper full pre-season we’ll have here in Seagrave and it’s a special place. There’s no complaints about any of the facilities. We have all the stuff we need to really kick on."