Wednesday 10 January 2018 21:15, UK
Maro Itoje returned to top-flight action just 35 days after fracturing his jaw in two places, and yet the 23-year-old says he is "not too surprised" by the speed of his recovery.
Having broken his jaw in an Aviva Premiership match against Harlequins in December, Itoje remarkably returned to action against Wasps on Sunday.
The Saracens and England second row has enjoyed a glittering career on the club and international scene to date, despite his tender years.
The forward has already won back-to-back European Cup titles and Six Nations championships, was a British & Irish Lions tourist to New Zealand during the summer, won the European Player of the Year award in 2016 and lifted the World Rugby U20's Championship title.
"Not too surprised," Itoje told Sky Sports when asked about his rapid recovery. "I spoke to a few different consultants and they said between four to six weeks on a timeframe.
"When I first went they said it was going to be three months but when the specialist saw it, he said that it wouldn't need to be that long.
"I think it was probably [the most painful injury] I've ever had, just because there are so many nerves and your mouth is quite sensitive.
"My jaw breaking probably disrupted that but I haven't had too many injuries, touch wood, thank god. Out of the few I've had it's definitely up there."
There have been cases in the past within rugby of traditional medicine accelerating recovery times but for the high-flying Itoje, his road back to fitness took on a more conventional form.
"No real secrets [keys to recovery]," he said. "I tried to eat as much as possible, that was pretty tough for the first few weeks considering that I couldn't open my mouth but no real secrets - just sleep and R&R."
This weekend Saracens travel to the Liberty Stadium for a crucial Champions Cup clash against Ospreys.
Mark McCall's side suffered defeats during the December back to backs to Clermont, meaning they currently sit third in Pool 2 and Saturday's match has duly taken on the title of 'must win'.
Beyond that, England's defence of their Six Nations title is just around the corner and the man who has been instrumental in both successes over the past two seasons feels he's nearing fifth gear.
"I think that I'm getting close [to full match fitness]," Itoje added. "I obviously played 80 minutes last weekend and we have a game this week as well. I think the more I play, the better I'll be and the more comfortable I'll feel.
"Depending on selection, I think that I'll be ready as of when.
"When I'm ready to play, I'm ready to play and it will be up to Eddie and the coaches to choose who they want and I'll definitely put my best foot forward and see how it goes."
