LONDON, England (CMC) – Guyana international Elliot Bonds, a 22-year-old midfielder who plays for English League One club Cheltenham Town, has told UK media he is back to his best after being sidelined for a lengthy spell with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

UK-born Bonds, who has made seven appearances for the Jaguars since making his debut in 2018, was on loan at Cheltenham – nicknamed the Robins – when he sustained the ACL injury against Scunthorpe United in November 2020.

He joined the Robins last summer but spent the winter on loan at fifth-tier National League side Kidderminster Harriers as he regained fitness.
Since returning to Whaddon Road, Bonds has been a regular starter as the Robins, who currently sit 12th with five matches remaining, push for their highest-ever league finish.

“It was difficult to start with in terms of getting back to where I was at and even pushing on. The start was tough,” Bonds said.
“Kidderminster was an important step in that process, but I think it was good. Me and the gaffer and everyone involved were kind of on the same page with getting back to where I was at physically, mentally.

“From Christmas, I’ve been really impressed and happy with how I’ve been doing for the club in the league and from there on I think it’s been going really well for me, and the team as well.”
Bonds made only four appearances for Cheltenham during his first spell with the club, before it was cut short after he ruptured his ACL.

He signed on a permanent two-year deal from Championship outfit Hull City last July, but did not feature for Cheltenham in the league until Boxing Day after being sent on loan to Kidderminster.
Bonds scored his first goal for Cheltenham in February in a 2-1 win over Sunderland.

When asked if he was back to his best, he said: “Definitely.”
He added: “Last year when I was here on loan it was only four games, so I felt like I didn’t really prove myself or get both my feet in the door.

“To do that this second half of the season, I’m obviously very happy with how it’s gone for myself. I just want to kick on and continue to improve and show what I can do.”