Sebastien Haller has heartwarmingly returned to training three months after he underwent surgery on a testicular cancer tumour.
The striker was one of the most prolific in Europe last season, scoring 34 goals to help Ajax to win the Eredivisie. That record earned him a £31million move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer, with Haller seen as the replacement for Erling Haaland.
But during the club's pre-season training camp in Switzerland, he fell ill and underwent medical examinations which discovered a malignant tumour. Haller returned to Dortmund to begin treatment, which included the surgical removal of the tumour and chemotherapy.
He has also been spotted in the stands for some Dortmund games, as he works on an individual fitness regime. That regime has taken a step up this week, with Haller returning to Ajax to continue training.
Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder revealed he has allowed the striker to return to the Dutch giants, with Haller having rehabilitating near Amsterdam. Schreuder also stated that Haller would remain with Ajax for the time being.
"He asked us if he could come and train because he was rehabilitating here. Then it is of course wonderful that he can be there for a while. He was able to train on a different field for his recovery," he said.
The 28-year-old has made remarkable progress since the tumour was discovered, though it is not yet known when he will return to Dortmund. Haller has previously opened up on the the tough journey he has been on in recent months.
"Hello everyone, I wanted to let you know that Step 1 has been completed! I would like to thank the @BVB and the medical team who were exceptional with me. A big thank you also to all the nursing staff of the hospital for their support - benevolence," he tweeted in July.
He then added at an Eredivisie awards night: "The first two or three days during the hospital (visit) and two or three days after, it's not the best moment. I'm lucky, I have people around me. My physio helped me every day to feel OK.
"The people also from Ajax for the food, people in Dortmund. It's not easy every day, but I feel great. I think it's something that can happen to everyone. I say sometimes, lucky it's me because not everyone can have this difficult moment. I'm surrounded by a lot of people, but everything's fine. I feel good."
One of the games Haller was spotted at was Dortmund's 3-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League. Following that match, captain Marco Reus revealed seeing the striker in the stands had a profound effect on the Black and Yellow squad.
"When we saw him on the big screen as we ran out onto the pitch, it gave me goosebumps because the fans were so overjoyed. We're looking forward to him coming back soon. He's a fantastic player and such a strong person. He'll bring so, so much to the table," Reus told Amazon Prime.
