Bundesliga News

Haller celebrates comeback in BVB test fixture

By Peter Weis   @PeterVicey

Amid conflicting reports on his recovery timetable, the Borussia Dortmund coaching staff opted to include Sebastien Haller in the matchday squad for today's test fixture against Fortuna Düsseldorf. 

Afterwards, BVB trainer Edin Terzic spoke of a "very special moment" for the delayed BVB debutant. 
Sebastien Haller.
Sebastien Haller.Photo: Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund initially erred on the side of caution when it came to the subject of Ivorian striker Sebastien Haller's comeback timetable. Die Schwarzgelben nevertheless decided, after some positive responses in performance tests last week, that the 28-year-old would at least be ready to log some relief minutes in today's test fixture against Fortuna Düsseldorf.


Haller came on to relieve Youssoufa Moukoko in the 74th minute of today's 5-1 victory over the Flingeraner. The appearance marked the first time the summer transfer set foot on the pitch in a BVB tricot. Haller's battle with testicular cancer precluded him from playing with his new club. A second surgery to remove a persistent tumor in November cast future doubt on his future with the club.

"This a very special moment," BVB trainer Edin Terzic noted afterwards, "It was the first time he wasn't wearing a bodice or a training shirt. We're proud that he was able to mark this occasion."

"It was a great moment for me. I felt a lot of support," Haller himself added when speaking to the Sky mics, "I worked very  hard for this moment. It's just a question of how well I work now. I just need some more time and then it will come by itself."

Terzic said that the team's medical staff would be closely monitoring Haller's physical reaction to the 16 minutes played in the coming days. Should all proceed positively, Terzic said that they would gradually increase the Haller's workload in the coming days.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt target man could be an option for the bench when his team resumes Bundesliga play in 12 days' time. Die Borussen host FC Augsburg on Sunday, January 22nd.





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