Callum Hudson-Odoi said that he feared for his career during his lengthy absence with injury.
The winger ruptured his Achilles in the Premier League clash with Burnley in April and spent the last five months working his way back to fitness at Cobham.
The 18-year-old is now back in the swing of things after starting the 4-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday, but speaking to Sky Sports Hudson-Odoi spoke of the 'dark days' he endured in his recovery.
He said: "I wondered if I would be able to play again; that was my first thought.
"I knew I'd done something really serious so I was really concerned. But my family kept me confident that I'd be back to how I was.
"There were days when I would go into training and I would be sad or disappointed because I could see the boys outside training and you just want to be out there with them.
"So I had the dark days but at the same time I had positive days as well.
Hudson-Odoi added: "I was out for three to four months and it was crazy to even get the injury in the first place.
"It's something I had to deal with mentally because I'd never experienced an injury like that before.
"I'm really delighted with the way I've come back. I didn't expect to get this many assists and to contribute with a goal as well. Hopefully I'll keep improving and adding goals to my game."
