SC Freiburg and Ghana’s Black Stars have received a timely boost as midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh made his return to first-team training on Wednesday, marking a significant step in his recovery from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 29-year-old Ghanaian has been sidelined since February 2023 after suffering the injury during a Bundesliga match against Union Berlin, an incident that abruptly brought his campaign to a halt.
Kyereh’s return to full team activities comes after more than a year of rehabilitation, patience, and intensive medical supervision. It represents not only progress in physical recovery but also a major psychological milestone for a player whose influence at both club and international level has been sorely missed.
Full integration signals progress in recovery
Images released from Wednesday’s training session showed Kyereh fully involved with the first team, walking confidently with his boots in hand and wearing a broad smile as he joined his teammates on the pitch. The scenes offered visible reassurance that the midfielder has moved beyond individual rehabilitation drills and is now training without restrictions.
His relaxed demeanor and seamless integration into the session suggested growing confidence in his knee and overall fitness. For players returning from long-term injuries, regaining trust in their body is often one of the most difficult hurdles, and Kyereh’s body language indicated he is steadily overcoming that challenge.
SC Freiburg’s medical and technical staff have managed his recovery carefully, opting for a cautious approach rather than rushing him back into competitive action. That strategy now appears justified, with Kyereh reaching a stage where he can once again handle the demands of full team training.
Europa League squad inclusion offers matchday hope
The timing of Kyereh’s return could not be more encouraging. SC Freiburg are preparing for a UEFA Europa League fixture against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, and the Ghanaian midfielder has been named in the club’s official squad list for the encounter. His inclusion confirms that he is medically cleared and eligible to feature if required.
However, head coach Julian Schuster has struck a careful tone regarding expectations. While acknowledging Kyereh’s progress, Schuster emphasized that match fitness will ultimately determine whether the midfielder is handed any minutes in the European clash. After such a lengthy absence from competitive football, Freiburg are keen to ensure Kyereh’s reintroduction is both controlled and sustainable.
Even if he does not feature on the pitch, Kyereh’s presence in the squad provides an added layer of experience and depth. His versatility, work rate, and tactical intelligence have been valuable assets for Freiburg in the past, particularly in high-pressure European matches.
Overcoming a career-threatening setback
An ACL injury is widely regarded as one of the most serious setbacks in professional football, often requiring months of rehabilitation and posing long-term risks if not properly managed. For Kyereh, the injury sustained against Union Berlin in February 2023 meant surgery, extended time away from the pitch, and a long period of uncertainty.
Throughout his recovery, the midfielder underwent intensive physiotherapy and strength conditioning under close medical supervision. SC Freiburg remained patient, prioritizing long-term health over immediate returns, while Kyereh focused on rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence step by step.
Such discipline is essential for players aiming to return at the same level after a major knee injury. Kyereh’s return to first-team training suggests he has responded well both physically and mentally, a testament to his professionalism and determination.
Boost for Ghana’s Black Stars ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Beyond club football, Kyereh’s return has important implications for Ghana’s Black Stars, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approaching. The midfielder has been a key figure for the national team in recent years, offering creativity, energy, and European-level experience in midfield.
His availability would provide the Black Stars with additional tactical options and leadership, especially as Ghana look to rebuild momentum and consistency on the international stage. While a national team recall will depend on sustained fitness and regular appearances for Freiburg, Kyereh’s return to training represents a crucial first step toward that goal.
Coaches and fans alike will be watching closely as he gradually regains match sharpness. A fully fit Daniel Kofi Kyereh could play an important role in Ghana’s qualification campaign, offering balance and composure in midfield.
For now, the focus remains firmly on his steady reintegration at club level. Whether or not he features against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Wednesday’s training session marked a powerful moment in Kyereh’s journey back from injury. After more than a year on the sidelines, his return stands as a reminder of resilience, patience, and the rewards of careful recovery management in modern football.