Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller returns to training with former club Ajax just three months after he was diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour… as the Dutch side’s boss Alfred Schreuder confirms the ‘wonderful’ news
- Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour back in July
- The striker had just signed for Borussia Dortmund from Ajax for £31m
- Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder confirmed Haller has resumed training at the club
Sebastien Haller returned to training with former club Ajax on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from a testicular tumour.
Haller received the diagnosis shortly after signing for Borussia Dortmund for £31m in July following an impressive 2021-22 season which saw him score 34 goals in all competitions for the Dutch side.
After feeling unwell during Dortmund’s pre-season tour of Switzerland, he underwent tests which revealed a malignant tumour.
He has since undergone chemotherapy and his return to the training pitch is a welcome step in the striker’s recovery.
Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder confirmed Haller’s return ahead of their clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.
He said: ‘He asked us if he could come and train because he was rehabilitating here.
Haller is stepping up on his recovery after he was diagnosed with a testicular tumour in July
Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder confirmed Sebastien Haller has resumed training at the club
‘Then it is of course wonderful that he can be there for a while. He was able to train on a different pitch to help his recovery.’
Haller is yet to make his debut for the Bundesliga giants and has previously opened up about the treatment he has undergone.
Speaking to UEFA earlier this month, he revealed he has spent ‘five days at a time at the hospital, where I am hooked up 24/7’ and cannot get out of bed while the treatment is injected. He then has a two-week rest period.
‘That’s one phase, and I have to do that four times. Four phases of chemotherapy lasting roughly three weeks each,’ he added.
‘After that, depending on how my cancer is progressing and how it is spreading, I may be forced to undergo surgery.
‘A lot of people are asking me when I will be back, but there’s a lot to take into account so it’s hard to give them a straight answer.
Haller has remained positive despite having to undergo chemotherapy as part of his treatment
The striker starred at Ajax last season, netting 34 goals in all competitions for the Dutch side
He was expected to be out of action for ‘several months’ but said in a positive update on his treatment earlier this month that he had a ‘timescale in mind’ for his return.
‘I’m lucky enough to feel well,’ he added. ‘I am physically able to work, I feel fine from both a mental and a physical point of view, which is of course helpful to fight this disease. I have a timescale in mind.
‘If I’m lucky enough not to need surgery, things can go very quickly. Three weeks after the final phase, checks are made to see what stage the metastasis is at, and whether you require surgery or not. If I don’t need an operation, with the way I train, I’d like to think that I will be in good condition at the end of those three weeks.
The Ivory Coast forward, 28, joined the Bundesliga giants for £31million in July but has not yet made his debut
Haller returns to train at his former club, who he helped guide to the Eredivisie title last year
Haller had previously spoken in August about how his family reacted to the news, with the former West Ham striker admitting his mother had struggled to come to terms with his diagnosis.
‘My wife was in shock, but she could deal with it. But.. my mum.. it wasn’t the same, because mothers are mothers,’ Haller said in an interview with ESPN.
‘I called my brothers and sisters to make sure they will be there for her, so that she wouldn’t feel alone. This is what I have done.’
Haller’s current club Dortmund face Manchester City on Tuesday night, looking to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
