Harry Leonard has opened up an injury-hit 2024 after returning to full training during the international break.

The Blackburn Rovers striker is yet to play a minute under John Eustace after two freak injuries, which have kept him out for six months.

Leonard first fractured his back in training. The nature of the injury meant he couldn't be involved for four months.

After working incredibly hard to return for pre-season, Leonard then dislocated his shoulder in a freak incident at the training ground. That has kept him out for a further two months.

READ MORE: ROVERS CONTRACT LANDSCAPE AND OBVIOUS PRIORITIES

Having started last season so brightly, Leonard has been desperate to show the new regime what he can do. He is now back in training again as he builds towards full fitness.

"Yeah, it feels really good to be back out there, it's been a long time coming," he told RoversTV.

"It's not any news to anyone that I've been out of action for a while. I came back from my previous injury (fractured back) and then I had some very bad luck in pre-season.

"I had to have surgery on my shoulder. The first week, I was building myself up in the first few sessions and then I fell awkward on my shoulder.

"My initial thought was that it was a bit sore but nothing more. I dislocated it and then I needed an operation which sucked the life out of me, it wasn't ideal for anyone.

"You have to get over that initial disappointment and after two, three weeks post-surgery, you have to focus on your return."

For any player, two innocuous but costly injuries can be tough to swallow. But especially for a 20-year-old who has lost the momentum he worked so hard to build.

Watching his team-mates out on the training pitch has been particularly tough but Leonard is keen to make up for lost time.

"I couldn't believe it, in all honesty. When the physio came over, he could see what was wrong with my shoulder. I can't put it into words how I felt," he reflected.

"I couldn't function, to be honest. I had people around me, the physios have been great. The lads have been great with me. I am starting to feel good again and I'm looking forward to getting back out there.

"It goes without saying when you're stuck in the gym on your own and all the lads are going out for training, it's very tough at times. I don't think people realise that when you're injured.

"You go through a lot of struggle but that first game pushes you on. You want to get back to doing what you love and so you have to get through it.

"It fuels me, to be honest. It's not nice being injured, no footballer wants to be stuck on the sidelines, especially when it's a freak injury that's out of your control."