Champions League qualifying: The New Saints’ Leo Smith on injury, recovery and return

The New Saints’ Leo Smith did not initially fear the worst when he went down injured in a Champions League qualifier nearly 12 months ago.

The midfielder suffered the injury just before half-time in his side’s game against Shkendija in July 2025 and had to be taken off on a stretcher.

As it turned out, that marked the start of a long spell on the sidelines.

“As it happened, it was a strange feeling,” Smith told BBC Sport Wales.

“I couldn’t really straighten my leg, and I thought it could have been something like a nerve down my hamstring.

“But then obviously in the back of my head I did have the worst thought of it being my knee as well.

“But after about five minutes, I felt like I could walk. I felt like I could carry on, but obviously the physios knew it wasn’t quite right.”

TNS boss Craig Harrison immediately feared Smith’s issue was serious and a scan the following day confirmed “the worst possible outcome” for the former Wrexham player – an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Smith, 28, acknowledges the support of the club as well as that of his family during his recovery from what he calls his “first proper injury”.

“I was coming into my final year on my contract as well, so stuff like that could affect my career here at this club,” Smith added.

“But I’m fortunate that the club obviously know how hard I’ve worked and how much I’m valued here because I was given a new contract.

“I can’t change what’s happened.

“I had the best support from my family, my wife and my kids as well, so that’s what kept me going.”