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 August[/caption]

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

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 stable and we gave it a go and my hamstring reacted. I had a knee operation and knee reconstruction, which was fine and I would have been back at the start of December.

“But in the operation a nerve got damaged. After the operation I couldn’t lift my foot or my toes. The first time I saw any flicker of life was the 31st of December.

“It’s been a long, tough road. The medical staff have been incredible, [club physio] Sean Duggan has been absolutely unbelievable.

“There was a chance I might not have come back at all. I didn’t know if I could walk normally again, never mind play football. But thankfully the hard work’s paid off. And to get on the field today [Sunday] with the boys and see them turn it around in the second half and be a part of that was special.

“I’ve been on the grass for a good few months now but I just need to be careful with contact. I’ve just run out of time. If the season was next week I think I would have been fit from now on.

“It’s not age-related, it’s just one chance in however many thousand. 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. It’s an incredible group but it’s been tough, for whatever you do off the pitch – whether it’s video stuff or speaking to the boys – if you’re on the pitch with them it is ten times easier and they will improve ten times quicker.

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Milner limped out of Brighton’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal in August[/caption]

“But you see the potential out there. 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. “He has been there since day one for everyone, trying to help young players to fit in the system. I’m really happy that he’s back.

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Minteh heaped praise on Milner’s influence in the dressing room[/caption]

“You can’t describe [his influence]. He is amazing, like top, top, top, top level. If you want to be good in the future, you need to listen to him.

“Every day we, the young players, learn from him. Because he never tries to say ‘Oh, I’ve won everything, I can relax now’. He always trying to work hard, which I love. So it will be amazing if he stays.”

And staying at Brighton for a further season is something firmly on Mineer’s radar as he seeks to put a frustrating campaign behind him.

“I started the season well, I look at my fitness now and I feel good,” Milner said.

“Coming on against Tottenham, I would like to keep playing, I’ve definitely got another year left in me. 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. We have good players and good results but there have been times when we’ve dropped points and shouldn’t have done. 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 club[/caption]

“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. It takes time.

“I’m excited for next year for sure. Hopefully I can be a part of it. You look at the potential that’s there. Carlos Baleba is another player with more games and maturity.

“Hopefully with myself involved and the senior guys, we can keep pushing these guys, the more games, the game understanding will improve. The manager has done a fantastic job but with another season under his belt I think it is exciting for next season.”