Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare reluctant to put timeframe on recovery: 'I want to take my time'

Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare says he does not want to set himself any targets as he steps up his recovery from the injuries he suffered in a car crash last September.

Souare fractured his thigh and jaw in the accident on the M4 near London and had to be airlifted to hospital.

The Senegal international spent five days in hospital and admitted he previously feared his football career may have been over.

Former Palace manager Alan Pardew said he hoped Souare would return to fitness within six months following the accident, but such a deadline has now passed.

However, the 26-year-old, who has started gym work at Palace's training ground, is reluctant to put a timeframe on his return.

"They [Palace's fans] can't wait to see me back as well, I understand that, but I'm not trying to put any targets because I know I've got a serious injury.

"I just want to take my time and try to do my best to get back when I can.

“It’s nice to be around the squad again; the funny thing is they are going out to play and you are staying in the gym but it doesn’t matter.

"I believe that everything happens for a reason, so I want to work as hard as they are outside because I want to be strong like them," he added.

Modern footballers are often accused of operating in a bubble away from the realities of society.

And Souare is convinced his accident has given him a new perspective on life: "When you are a football player you think that nothing can happen to you.

"So because of this kind of situation I have learned from and I think every player can too.

"What happened to me can can happen to anyone as well," he added.