Three months ago, Dan-Axel Zagadou came back from the training camp in Bad Ragaz with a knee problem. The centre-back has already returned to team training and is now targeting a place in the matchday squad. "Mentally I'm fully fit and physically I've recovered too, so I'll be able to help the team again very soon."

Zagadou felt a twinge in his knee in the first summer friendly prior to the start of this season. It was the same pain that had earlier forced him into taking a break in April. "My immediate thought was that I was going to need to get it treated," recalls the defender. Months of treatment and rehabilitation followed. "My rehab lasted three months. That's a long time. Part of my rehab took place in Paris. I think they looked after me well in Paris in September."

Rehabilitation training served to stabilise the knee again. "For me, the most important thing to be 100% ready to play again. My knee also needs to be completely recovered. Only then will I be able to help the team. And I'm enormously looking forward to that," said Zagadou.

The 21-year-old followed his team-mates' matches during his spell out with injury and has been full of praise for the defensive performances in particular. "I think the team is defending together more. Regardless of whether it's a back four or a back three. That's helping the team. Hence why we are conceding fewer goals."

He could find himself back in the defensive set-up soon. Zagadou admitted that while it's always difficult to be injured and unable to help the team, he knows "that I'll get my chance at some point. I'm patient and I know that I'll get back to playing an important role within this squad." (cr)

BVB TV by 1&1: Dan-Axel Zagadou in focus