The tackling beast is back! Niklas Süle celebrated his return to the Champions League picture in a 4-1 win over Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League, after 294 days on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury. It's been a good nine and a half months since Süle had to leave the field away at Augsburg in a Bundesliga clash after damaging his knee. In the second leg of the last 16 of the Champions League, however, the centre-back made his return, replacing Jérôme Boateng in the 63rd minute.
"It's a great day for me"
"I am very happy, it is a great day for me to have made my comeback after such a long time," Süle said after the final whistle. "I really wanted to play with the lads again, and now I'm glad that my time in pain is over. With Jérôme, I hope everything is okay, we need him in the tournament. We have a great team spirit, that's reflected in the results and in the way we play."
A tough moment. On 19 October 2019 Süle tore his cruciate ligament in the Bundesliga match away at Augsburg.
After his substitution onto the field when the score was 2-1 in favour of FCB, the 24-year-old was immediately able to prove his class. For the Londoners there was no way of getting past him – his 100% win percentage for duels in the game speaks volumes. In addition, the Germany international completed all 27 of his passes, playing a crucial role in the team's 4-1 victory over the Blues.
It has been nine and a half months since Süle last played in the Champions League.
Welcome back, Niklas!
The beginning of October and the sensational 7-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur was the last time the central defender played in the Champions League. But now, he's back! Welcome back Niklas!
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