Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has conceded that he’s still feeling the effects of the Knee injury he suffered in April.

Despite undergoing a successful, the 26 year old has struggled to reach his best form for the Magpies this campaign.

He has often looked a pale shadow of himself and has subsequently been used sparingly by Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez.

Atsu, who is currently on international duty with Ghana preparing for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifier in Ethiopia admitted recovering from the injury has been more difficult than he expected.

“I need to give everything and work harder because, at the start of the season, I was not in good shape,” “I am still getting my fitness back to where I want it to be.

“I am really working hard, and I am confident this is going to be a good season. I know I can get back to my best form.

“It has been more difficult to recover than I thought it would be. To be fair, it has been very difficult to come back from the injury. That is normal though. It was a knee injury, and they are always difficult to recover from. With time, I am going to be back to my very best football.”