Lovenkrands hails ´professional´ Malouda

Newcastle winger Peter Lovenkrands, who was taken to hospital after colliding with Chelsea’s Florent Malouda last Saturday, has hailed the France international’s professionalism.

Lovenkrands, 29, suffererd breathing difficulties after Malouda appeared to catch the Dane accidentally in the back with an elbow at St James’ Park.

Lovenkrands received treatment on the pitch and then off it before being carried away on a stretcher.

He related Thursday how Malouda had called him to check on his condition and absolved the frenchman of any blame.

He told the club’s official website: “Florent Malouda rang me and texted me earlier this week, which I thought showed what a great professional he is to get my number and make that call.

“But it had nothing to do with him and I told him that – it was not his fault.

“I actually had an infection which had affected me earlier in the game – I just didn’t feel right.

“I couldn’t breathe properly, I couldn’t run properly and I was feeling really bad. I thought I would improve as the game went on but the hit affected me really badly.”

Lovenkrands is hoping to make a swift recovery so he can play a part in the club’s ongoing fight against relegation.

He said: “I’m feeling a lot better. My body is a lot better and my breathing is okay again.

“But I am still feeling battered and bruised and I don’t want to put myself back in things until I feel right.

“I want to get back as soon as possible, but an injury like this puts your life in perspective a little bit.

“Of course, I want to be part of the run-in. I want to be in all the games from now until the end of the season.

“I will take my days to come back. I want to come back and be 100 percent and do myself justice when I come back.”