“Glad to be training with the team again”

Since suffering a knee injury in training in February, defender Dan-Axel Zagadou has been working hard on his comeback. The 25-year-old is battling back step by step – and is now back with his teammates on the pitch in Cannstatt. ‘Daxo’ has been completing some parts of team training before proceeding to his individual session with conditioning coach Martin Franz.

We asked him for a progress update on his comeback.

Daxo, you’ve been on the comeback trail for nearly six months. You’ve been back with the boys since last week. How do you feel?

Daxo: “I’m feeling very good as I’m glad to be back on the pitch with the team. I’m still not training fully but I can join in with the warm-up. Afterwards I train individually with conditioning coach Martin.”

How delighted are you to be back?

Daxo: “It’s great fun because I’ve been out for a long time, and I’ve missed the boys. So I’m very happy that I can train with them again now.”

You’re looking very fit. How did you use the break?

Daxo: “I took a complete break for one week and recovered. Then I went to Doha to work on my knee and my general fitness, so I’ve trained a lot during the break.”