‘Draining’ year out makes Roberts appreciate careerImage source, FAWImage caption, Connor Roberts made his senior Wales debut against Uruguay in March 2018ByIan MitchelmoreBBC Sport WalesPublished14 minutes agoWales and Burnley defender Connor Roberts says he will appreciate his career achievements even more following the struggles of his “draining” year on the sidelines through injury.The right-back missed the entirety of the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles issue.He made his long-awaited return to action as a substitute in Wales’ 2-1 loss to Romania in Bucharest – 362 days after his most recent appearance for either club or country against Belgium in June 2025.
During his prolonged spell out of action, Roberts’ Burnley side were relegated from the Premier League while Wales also failed in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
And the 30-year-old – who has represented his country at two major tournaments – mentioned his inability to contribute proved mentally draining.
“It’s been very tough,” he mentioned.
