Daniel Kofi Kyereh’s return to full team training with SC Freiburg marks a triumphant and emotional milestone after an extraordinarily prolonged absence caused by a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
The Ghanaian attacking midfielder suffered the injury on February 4, 2023, in a Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund, shortly after his high-profile transfer from FC St. Pauli in the summer of 2022.
At St. Pauli, Kyereh had established himself as one of the 2. Bundesliga’s standout performers, racking up an impressive 22 goals and 21 assists that showcased his creativity, vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring threat from midfield—qualities that earned him the nickname “magician” among fans.
The initial ACL rupture required surgical intervention, followed by a rigorous rehabilitation process. Unfortunately, Kyereh encountered multiple setbacks and relapses throughout 2024, which significantly extended his recovery timeline beyond typical expectations for such injuries.
These complications restricted him to only a limited number of appearances—around 19 in total—since joining Freiburg, leaving both the club and Ghanaian supporters yearning for his return to form.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the 29-year-old (born March 8, 1996) completed his first full senior team training session in nearly three years, participating throughout without restrictions.
This step came after gradual progression through individual recovery programs, building strength, mobility, and match fitness.
SC Freiburg, currently competing in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Europa League, stand to benefit enormously from Kyereh’s return. His ability to unlock defenses, provide key passes, and contribute goals could add vital depth and quality to their midfield options.
The timing is particularly poignant as Freiburg prepared for their Europa League home fixture against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, January 22, 2026—though it is considered unlikely he would feature immediately, given the need for gradual integration and match sharpness.
For the Black Stars of Ghana, Kyereh’s progress is equally significant. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself approaching in just months, his potential availability offers a major boost to the national team’s midfield creativity and attacking options. Technical staff are expected to monitor his club minutes closely in the coming weeks and months before making any call-up decisions.
No exact date has been confirmed for his competitive return, as the focus remains on avoiding re-injury and steadily increasing his involvement in sessions and possibly friendlies or cup matches.
Nevertheless, this full training return represents the clearest sign yet that the long ordeal is nearing its end, and the “magician” is poised to grace the pitch once more.