Sebastien Haller is back in team training at Borussia Dortmund. After a difficult season so far, a new attempt.
The next step: Sebastien Haller returns to the pitch. IMAGO/HMB Media
The good news for midweek started with a shoe. The pink work tool was posted by the Borussia Dortmund social media team X under the question: “Guess who’s back?” The answer didn’t take long to arrive; unsurprisingly, the full-body photos showed Sebastien Haller in training clothes with the ball at his foot and next to teammate Nico Schlotterbeck – in the middle of team training.
In the absence of the two attackers Niclas Füllkrug (DFB senior national team) and Youssoufa Moukoko (U21), the Ivorian was back on the pitch for BVB for the first time this year and could now become a real alternative again in the hot final spurt of the season. “We want to use the opportunity to introduce one or the other. Hopefully Sebastien Haller will take the next step next week,” sports director Sebastian Kehl announced last weekend.
Haller last played for Dortmund at the end of 2023, the disappointing 1-1 draw against Mainz 05, but suffered an ankle injury that slowed him down for several weeks until the group stage of the Africa Cup. After the surprise final appearance despite the weak start to the tournament, the attacker was again decisive for the Ivory Coast in mid-February and artistically scored the 2-1 final score against Nigeria – but had to be substituted shortly after his goal in the 88th minute. Back in Dortmund, examinations showed that Haller had to take a break again and that the old injury had broken out again.
Even though the 29-year-old had to take a break for around a month after his return, winning the title with Ivory Coast should provide lasting momentum. After a strong second half of the previous season, Haller has mostly only played the role of a substitute since the last-minute signing of Niclas Füllkrug – also a reaction from the club to Haller’s lack of form.
Only 354 minutes of play in the league for BVB
In eleven league appearances he only managed 354 minutes of play and was unable to score a goal. This should be different again. “A striker lives from his self-confidence,” said Kehl in February: “We are pleased that he is now back with us and can help us achieve our goals.”
2024-03-22 10:50:17
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