A big moment for Niklas Süle: On Monday morning, the FC Bayern defender was able to carry out his first running exercises on the Säbener Straße training ground following his cruciate ligament rupture. His first session on the pitch lasted a good 25 minutes before the centre half, grinning broadly, disappeared back into the training centre to continue his programme.
Very happy following first running session
“After almost four months of carrying out a similar programme every day in this gym, it was of course brilliant for me to get out today, to run again and smell the grass,” a very happy Süle commented on his return to the training ground. “It was the right time for me to take the next step,” he continued.
Almost exactly four months ago to the day, on 19 October 2019, Süle ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 2-2 draw at Augsburg. During a defensive tussle with Augsburg's Marco Richter, Süle twisted his knee and had to leave the pitch after only 13 minutes. Just a day later, Süle underwent surgery and has been working on his comeback ever since.
“The way I worked with my team for four months was really amazing - and with no complications in my knee. I just realised I can run with absolutely no problems too, and that's what counts,” explained Süle.
Smashed it! Niklas Süle and fitness coach Simon Martinello on the pitch after the first running session.
Until being injured, Süle had played the full 90 minutes in ten of the record champions' eleven competitive games. The DFB Cup first round match against Energie Cottbus, when the Germany player come on as a substitute near the end of the game was the only exception.
Süle slaved away for four months in the performance centre for his return to the training pitch 👇
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