James Milner has revealed how a training-ground injury left him fearing he would never walk normally again.

The Brighton midfielder missed almost the entirety of the 2024/25 season due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery.

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James Milner endured a season of frustration after picking up a knee injury in AugustCredit: Getty

Milner started the first three games of the season but limped out of the 1-1 draw at Arsenal on August 31.

James Milner made brutal Man Utd jibe during Liverpool trophy lift	Ex-Liverpool star James Milner insists that he can still play into his FORTIES despite Brighton defender's season being marred by injuries	Ex-Liverpool star James Milner insists that he can still play into his FORTIES despite Brighton midfielder's season being marred by injuries

The 39-year-old made his blockbuster return in Sunday’s 4-1 win at Tottenham before lifting the lid on the extent of his injury hell.

“I had a contact injury in training before the Arsenal game on my knee,” Milner told Brighton's official website.

It was just a bit of bad luck after starting the season well and feeling good.”

Despite his injury setback, Milner remained upbeat and used his experience to help support his teammates through the grueling season.

“It's been frustrating, I've tried to help the manager as much as I can off the field and help the boys.

They are a great bunch of lads, I just want to help them improve as much as possible.”

Milner's presence is valued by his teammates as seen in the post-match celebrations on Sunday.

Carlos Baleba and Yankuba Minteh both lauded Milner by carrying the veteran midfielder over to the travelling Brighton supporters.

“I would have tried to fight them off but they’re both very strong,” Milner laughed.

Meanwhile, Minteh heaped praise on the three-time Premier League title winner claiming he has been a huge source of support to the squad.

“He’s a legend,” Minteh said.

If you want to be good in the future, you need to listen to him.

“Every day we, the young players, learn from him.

I think we're quite close so it will be nice to be here and be part of the team and help the boys.

“You look at the season we have had.

You need a bit of experience.

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Milner returned to action against Tottenham and hopes he can secure a new deal at the clubCredit: Getty

“You look at the players that have come in, the likes of Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda, difficult coming to a new team and country but look how good they've been in last few weeks.
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