Sebastien Haller returns to training with AFC Ajax

Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has returned to the training pitch with former club AFC Ajax as he steps up his comeback bid.

Sebastien Haller has taken the next step on his road to recovery from a malignant testicular tumour as he has made his return to training with former club AFC Ajax. The Borussia Dortmund striker began training with the Dutch side on Tuesday.

Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder revealed during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that Haller asked them if he could train at the club’s training ground as part of his rehab.

"“He asked us if he could come and train because he was rehabilitating here,” Schreuder said. “So of course it is wonderful that he can be here for a while. He was able to train on a different pitch to help with his recovery.”"

Haller will now have further training sessions with Ajax in the coming weeks as he steps up his bid to make his Borussia Dortmund debut.

Haller joined Borussia Dortmund from AFC Ajax in the summer for a club record transfer fee. But he complained of feeling unwell during the club’s pre-season training camp, and was diagnosed with a testicular tumour shortly after. Further tests revealed that the tumour was malignant and the 28 year old had to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

Sebastien Haller was at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony last week, where he said that things are going well and he is feeling good. He also said in an interview with UEFA earlier this month that he has a timescale in mind for his return to action.

Hans-Joachim Watzke said earlier this month that they have high hopes that Haller might be able to join the team during the second half of the season. But he added that they will give him all the time he needs to recover from his illness.