Dan Axel Zagadou set for return to training after long injury lay-off

Borussia Dortmund defender Dan-Axel Zagadou is set to make his return to team training during the international break.

Dan-Axel Zagadou suffered a knee injury during Borussia Dortmund’s pre-season training camp and has been out of action ever since. But now the defender is closing in on his comeback, and will participate in parts of team training during the international break. The hope is that the Frenchman will be available for selection again towards the end of the month.

Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten (subscription required), Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed that Zagadou is increasing his workload and will now begin partially training with the team.

Zagadou is considered to be one of Europe’s most highly rated defenders. But he has had to endure a difficult struggle with injuries in recent years, which have slowed his progress. His return will be a big boost to Borussia Dortmund, who only have two fit specialist centre-backs in their ranks at the moment.

It would also give head coach Lucien Favre more tactical flexibility, and the chance to give Mats Hummels and Manuel Akanji a rest when needed.

Zagadou’s last competitive start for Borussia Dortmund came all the way back in March in the UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris St. Germain before the coronavirus lockdown. The centre-back then suffered a knee ligament injury just before the resumption of football. He made his return with two substitute appearances at the back end of last season, before injuring his knee again during pre-season.

Both Borussia Dortmund and Zagadou will be hoping that he can now stay injury free for an extended period of time so he can show his immense quality on the pitch.