Having recovered from cancer, Sebastian Haller has been back with the squad for exactly a week. The performance diagnostics last Monday were followed by a return to team training, with the forward having taken part in every session so far at the training camp in Marbella.

If you ask Sebastian Haller's team-mates about his return, the question brings a smile to their face every time. "I get goosebumps when I think about the fact that he's back on the pitch," commented captain Marco Reus. "On a mental level, he's already come very far. I was delighted to see him back on the pitch and in action," explained Salih Özcan. And goalkeeper Gregor Kobel added: "Sebastien is making a very good impression. He looks strong, I like his movement."

On Monday, the returnee himself spoke publicly for the first time at the training camp. "I'm doing well," said the 28-year-old at the start of the media round. "It's been a tough six months. I'm naturally very happy to be able to be here with the lads and train." He then reflected on the past few months – during which his everyday life consisted of treatments, hospital stays and time with his family. His family and friends have supported him on the road to recovery. He also spoke to them about possibly hanging up his boots. But that was not an option for the footballer. "For me, my return was simply a matter of time, hence why I always kept going." Haller also got in touch with other players who have received a testicular cancer diagnosis such as Timo Baumgartl, Marco Richter and Jean-Paul Boetius. "We spoke a great deal about the therapy, the operation and mental well-being. That was very important. They have also been a part of the healing process."

But the past few months have also involved a lot of work for Haller. For he wanted to use the time to stay fit for this moment, when he returned to the football pitch. "It's the best feeling you can have," he said of his return to the pitch. "When you have this illness, you don't know what your future looks like. I could only concentrate on the next day. I worked a lot so that I can now participate in everything." He has been in close contact with BVB's medical department over the past few months – and that remains the case now. "A lot of attention is being paid to how my body reacts to the training. My values are now being closely monitored. I will get involved in everything as long as I feel well, but we need to keep an eye on all the data."

It remains to be seen when Haller will return to competitive football. "We want to build him up very gradually," said sporting director Sebastian Kehl. "Between the treatments, he has done sport and running work. But there is a huge difference between running and training with a football team two times a day, because the movements are different and much more intensive. We should give him time."

He's not ready yet, but "in the long-term, he will offer us an alternative with his play that we perhaps don't have yet," said Reus, adding: "We will do well to take it slowly and give him time until he has rediscovered his rhythm." And eventually the striker will make his first appearance in front of the Yellow Wall: "That's been on my mind from the first day. I'm looking forward to playing at the stadium and in front of the Yellow Wall. That's the goal."
Christina Reinke