Several prominent footballers are expected to return to action before the current season concludes, following recoveries from significant injuries. Here are some notable comebacks:
Sergiño Dest
After undergoing knee surgery in April 2024 to repair a torn ACL, USMNT defender Sergiño Dest made his return for PSV Eindhoven on March 8, 2025, playing 23 minutes against Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. His comeback is timely, with the U.S. Men’s National Team preparing for the Nations League finals later this month.
Presnel Kimpembe
Paris Saint-Germain’s defender Presnel Kimpembe ruptured his Achilles tendon in February 2023, sidelining him for the entire 2023–24 season. He renewed his contract with PSG in December 2023 and made his long-awaited return on February 4, 2025, in a Coupe de France match against Le Mans, nearly two years after his injury.
Gavin Bazunu
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, on loan from Southampton to Standard Liège, is regaining form after recovering from an Achilles injury. He credits his goalkeeping coach, Jean-François Gillet, for aiding his return to first-team football. Despite conceding goals, Bazunu values the game time as crucial for regaining his position as Ireland’s number one goalkeeper.
James Worpel
AFL player James Worpel of the Hawthorn Hawks sustained a moderate-grade syndesmosis ankle injury in the season opener. While he will miss three to four weeks, surgery was avoided, and he is expected to return to play before the season ends.
Tyreik Wright
Bradford City winger Tyreik Wright suffered a quad injury in November 2024, sidelining him until the new year. He returned to training in December and made his comeback in March 2025 after breaking his nose in February, playing with a protective face mask.
Jurriën Timber
Arsenal’s defender Jurriën Timber suffered an ACL injury in August 2023, requiring surgery. He made his first-team comeback on May 19, 2024, and has since been instrumental, scoring goals in both league and Champions League matches, including a recent brace against PSV Eindhoven.
These players’ recoveries are significant for their respective teams, enhancing squad depth and performance as the season nears its conclusion.