Everton's Ben Godfrey is relishing his return after experiencing a tough time on the sidelines.

The defender fractured his fibula while making a tackle during the team's 1-0 loss to Chelsea on the opening day of the Premier League season.

However, Godfrey has worked hard to come back quickly, and was involved for the Under-21s against Mansfield Town last week in the Papa John's Trophy.

Speaking to The Press in his home city of York, Godfrey said: "It's been a tough journey. It's probably been the hardest period of my career so far in terms of an injury.

"I've been really fortunate throughout my career that most of the injuries I've had have been short term. A few weeks at most with muscle strains, that sort of thing, never anything too long.

"When you're playing week in, week out and that gets taken away from you, it's mentally so difficult to adapt to that. You just miss that feeling of competing on a Saturday.

"When it gets taken away, it's a massive shock to the system. I've tried to stay as positive as possible and seeing bits of progress with the injury as little wins.

"It changed my outlook and I'm so appreciative of being back fit. It's something that I'll never take for granted.

"It's nice to be on the other side of it now and feeling strong and ready to go."