Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin has revealed he almost missed last year’s FIFA World Cup due to osteitis pubis.
While Goodwin scored against France and took the shot that deflected to result in Australia’s only goal in the Round of 16 against Argentina, the 31-year-old says he wasn’t at 100 per cent fitness.
The Adelaide United star says his injury is still lingering, but he knew that was the risk associated with pushing to play in Qatar.
“Obviously, a lot of relief and a lot of pride that I was able to get through that period,” Goodwin told SEN’s The Global Game.
“To answer the question, ‘Is it still there?’, yes, it is still there, it’s not gone, I’m having to manage that.
“That was something that was made very clear at the start with the physios from Adelaide and the Socceroos with osteitis pubis.
“If I tried to force myself back into the frame (that it would) be something I’ll have to manage because it’ll still be sore along the way.
“It’s definitely getting better each week, but it still needs probably a proper rest and then the strength work required to actually settle it.”
While he started in three of Australia’s four World Cup games, Goodwin says at one stage he thought he was “screwed” as the injury began to get the better of him midway through last season.
“But it was super stressful through that period … there was times I would be sitting in silence on the couch going, ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen here, I think I’m screwed’,” Goodwin said.
“I wasn’t involved in the games versus New Zealand and that wasn’t a good look to not be in those Socceroos squads heading into the World Cup.
“I didn’t even lace up the boots until one week out from the season against Wellington … I was probably very underdone in terms of that aspect.
“It was super stressful but thanks to the physios at Adelaide and the coaching staff (they let me) still step out on the pitch where I was still somewhat of an injury risk.
“Thankfully it worked and it’s easy to say that World Cup was probably the highlight of my career.
“I definitely look back on it with a lot of pride and I’m extremely grateful for everyone that was involved for getting me back into that position.
“But, yeah, it’s definitely still hanging out that osteitis pubis.”
Following the World Cup, Goodwin has played 16 games for Adelaide United, scoring seven goals and notching six assists.
Through 17 A-League men’s games, Adelaide sit third on the season 2022/23 table, seven points behind league leaders Melbourne City.