Bayern Munich and former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has returned to Bayern Munich training after months on the sidelines.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year picked up an injury in a penultimate Bayern Munich Bundesliga game before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
News of his injury came as a shock, especially to Senegal national team, who included him in Senegal 2022 World Cup squad.
He was later removed from the squad list after it was confirmed he will be sidelined for three months following the injury.
Now, Bayern Munich have confirmed the former Premier League forward is back to training after spells on the sidelines.
In a footage of his first training with the Bavarians after the injury, Sadio Mane took on to the pitch with other players and was warmly welcomed back into the squad.
He took part in few drills with the squad on Sunday morning, and was obviously in high spirits as the Bavarians prepare to stem off the challenge on the Bundesliga title race.
After the training, Sadio Mane, signed few autographs and took selfies with some Bayern Munich fans who lineup to welcome the Senegalese back to the fold.
The return of Sadio Mane is expected to boost Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title hopes ahead of a crucial next Bundesliga clash against title-challengers Union Berlin.
Julian Nagelsmann temporarily douse tensions and pressures from the club’s hierachy following back-to-back wins which climaxed with a Champions League round 16 first-leg win at Parc des Princes.
The Bavarians have struggled after the World Cup and are not in top shape this season.
They opened their post-World Cup Bundesliga campaign with three consecutive draws, dropping 6 points and opening up the title race to challengers, Union Berlin.
Their last Bundesliga game before Sadio Mane’s return ended in a defeat to arch rivals Borussia Monchengladbach.
Sadio Mane’s return is expected to infuse a fresh energy into the squad as they hope to defend the Bundesliga title.
Mane had to undergo an operation to re-fix his tendon in the head of his right fibula, and the operation was confirmed successful.
He complete various personal training drills on February 10 before his return to the first team.
Speaking to the club’s website on his return to the team, the 30-year-old said;
“It was superb. I was a bit tired, but that’s normal. Everything’s alright. Another two weeks, and I’ll be back with the team. I’m happy
His last appearance for the Bavarians was in Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win over Werder Bremen on Bundesliga Matchday 14.
Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Mane will be fit to make an appearance for the team a week after the training.
“Theoretically he can play after a week of team training”, he said.
This means Sadio Mane could make his first appearance for the club after the injury in a crunch Bundesliga tie with Union Berlin.
He could also feature in the team’s fixture against Vfb Stuttgart, including Champions League round 16 second-leg tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
Before his injury, Sadio Mane made 23 appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals, with four assists.
