Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has returned to training for the first time since he had an operation on a testicular tumour.
The Ivorian international and former Ajax star was forced to undergo two operations, having initially been diagnosed in July of last year. Haller’s second operation came in November and clearly went as well as hoped given the 28-year-old is back in training and could even be available for selection soon enough.
Having joined the German giants from Ajax last summer, Haller is actually yet to make a competitive appearance in the famous black and yellow shirt as the tumour was discovered before he had the chance to start his Dortmund career.
However, there is at long last some good news with Haller expected to travel with the rest of his Dortmund team-mates to Marbella for a mid-season training camp before the Bundesliga returns following the break for the World Cup.
“Hello guys, I’m finally back,” Haller said in a video posted on Twitter. “It was not that easy but with your support it was better and easier to do. I’m just looking forward to seeing you in the stadium for some victories.”
For now, it is expected that Haller will participate in strength and conditioning training before eventually moving on to some light ball work. The Dortmund hierarchy are hopeful the striker can at long last make his debut for the club towards the back end of the 2022/23 campaign.
“It’s very positive for everyone that he is back,” explained Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. “We gave him the best possible support as a club, but, at the end of the day, it was down to his great efforts.”
The positive statements are on brand for Haller, who managed to remain incredibly upbeat when posting his update confirming the news on social media back in July.
“Thank you all for your many messages of support and affection since yesterday’s announcement,” Haller posted on social media.. “My family and I thank you. I will now focus on my recovery to come back stronger.
“I want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all these many warm messages received. I was very moved to see these beautiful reactions and I even feel like I don’t deserve so much.
“But I know that thanks to you it will only be one more test on our way. See you very soon in the ground to celebrate our next victories.”
Everyone associated with Dortmund will be hopeful Haller is fit enough to contribute to the second-half of the season as they languish as low in sixth in the Bundesliga table.
