Burnley man opens up on 'draining' season after recent injury return

Connor Roberts believes his injury-blighted campaign will give him a greater appreciation for what he’s already achieved and for what’s still to come.

The Welshman suffered a nightmare season last time out, failing to play a single minute of Burnley’s miserable Premier League relegation.

The 30-year-old was left sidelined by a serious Achilles injury in pre-season, before suffering subsequent groin and hamstring issues.

But having returned to Burnley’s match day squad for the final game of the season against Wolves, the right-back is keen to look ahead.

"It's been very tough,” he told BBC Sport.

"It's the first real long-term injury I've ever had so I've done well to get to the age I have without having one.

"Then to watch my club not do well and my country fail to qualify [for the World Cup], it's been emotional, it's been draining and it's been really hard.

"I think now I'm back, it's going to make me appreciate a little bit more the things I've achieved, the things I've done that I never thought I would, the things I'm yet to do and the experiences that I have from now on until I hang up my boots.”

Roberts made his long-awaited return for Wales at the start of June, coming on as a 61st-minute substitute during their 2-1 friendly defeat to June.

It was the defender’s competitive outing, for club or country, since June 2025.

"Personally for me, it's brilliant to be back,” Roberts added.

"Some people are happy that I'm back, some people not so happy, but I am back and hopefully I can keep ticking over during the summer and go again next season for club and country."