Dan-Axel Zagadou makes his return from injury for the Borussia Dortmund U-23s

Dan-Axel Zagadou made his first appearance since March as he played close to 70 minutes for the Borussia Dortmund U-23s on Saturday. 

It has been a long road to recovery for Dan-Axel Zagadou, who underwent knee surgery in March. The young defender finally made his return to action on Saturday as he started for the Borussia Dortmund U-23s in their 3. Liga clash against Viktoria Berlin. Summer signing Soumaila Coulibaly came off the bench in the game, making his first appearance for the Black and Yellows.

Zagadou has had to deal with a number of injury issues over the last couple of years. And following his latest comeback from injury, the hope will be that he can stay fit in the coming months. Marco Rose said earlier this week that the Frenchman will build up his match fitness with the U-23s, and soon he will be an option again for the first team.

Soumaila Coulibaly also made his return to action during the U-23s’ game on Saturday. The highly rated defender joined Borussia Dortmund from Paris St. Germain in the summer but had been sidelined with a knee injury that he suffered in February. The 17 year old came on in the 68th minute to replace Zagadou and made his first appearance in BVB colours. He will also build up his match fitness in the coming weeks while playing for the U-23s.

The game itself saw Borussia Dortmund II suffer a 2-1 defeat away to Viktoria Berlin, with Lucas Falcao scoring an 86th minute winner. The home side had earlier taken the lead before Berkan Taz equalised for Dortmund just before the half time whistle. Enrico Maaßen’s side have now lost their last three games and find themselves in ninth place in the 3. Liga standings.