KAA Gent defender and former Belgium youth international Jordan Torunarigha has officially returned to full training after spending 252 days on the sidelines with a persistent hamstring injury, according to club medical updates. The central defender, who previously drew strong consideration from the Royal Belgian Football Association for a potential senior cap with the Red Devils, last featured for the Buffaloes in a competitive fixture before undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Torunarigha’s long-awaited comeback marks a major boost for KAA Gent’s defensive stability as the club navigates a demanding stretch of fixtures in the Jupiler Pro League and European competition. Manager Wouter Vrancken confirmed during a pre-match press conference that the 27-year-old center-back has successfully completed consecutive training sessions without discomfort, though coaching staff plan to manage his workload carefully to prevent any setbacks following such an extended layoff.
Before his physical troubles sidelined him for over eight months, Torunarigha was heavily discussed as a natural reinforcement for the Belgium national team. Following FIFA’s approval of his switch in international eligibility, the former Hertha Berlin man emerged as a primary candidate to bolster the defensive ranks under then-manager Domenico Tedesco, coming remarkably close to earning his maiden senior call-up before the injury halted his momentum.
The prolonged absence tested the depth of KAA Gent’s defensive line, forcing tactical adjustments and relying on alternative combinations in the heart of the defense. Torunarigha’s physical presence, ball-playing ability from the back, and experience in high-pressure matches offer an immediate tactical upgrade for Vrancken’s tactical setup as the team fights for top-six positioning and European qualification spots.
Medical staff monitored every phase of the defender’s recovery, utilizing controlled strength work and gradual integration into ball-drills before clearing him for full contact. Club fitness coaches emphasized that while the player’s conditioning has reached acceptable baseline levels, match fitness will require a careful progression through reserve fixtures or substitute appearances before he resumes a regular starting role.
The timeline for Torunarigha’s first competitive minutes back on the pitch depends on how his body responds to the high-intensity loads of upcoming training sessions. KAA Gent’s medical department will provide a final assessment ahead of their next scheduled league fixture, where the defender could potentially feature in the matchday squad.
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