Manuel Mbom speaks to the media at the training camp

The Germany U21 international was able to play 20 minutes which, whilst already momentous, would have been perfected even more if he crowned the comeback with a goal. He even attempted a spectacular scissor-kick but mishit the ball. The most important thing is that he was able to play without pain or discomfort. “It was a wonderful feeling to be back on the pitch with the boys,” Mbom smiled. “I have to say that I’m enjoying every day. I’m working hard to get back to my old level of strength.”

Despite his injury, Göttingen-born Mbom never felt far away from the rest of the team. His teammates visited him often during the recovery phase, Mbom appreciating the camaraderie. It made him feel better, he said. The friendly against Murcia was a first step, and the next preparation game against St. Gallen will be the second. The road to recovery will only be complete, though, when he takes to the field in a competitive game. “I need to take every day as it comes and see how the tendon holds up – at the end of the day, it’s the coach’s choice when the time is right,” Mbom explained. “I’ll try to be ready, so that I’m there when I get my chance.”