Sebastien Haller Returns To Training After Battle With Testicular Cancer.

Sebastien Haller has resumed training with Borussia Dortmund for the first time after a six-month battle against testicular cancer.

The Ivorian striker has not yet played in a competitive match for Dortmund, as he was diagnosed of the illness shortly after signing for the German club in July after a record-breaking season Ajax. 

He finished 2021/22 on an Eredivisie-leading 21 goals, and ended up third in the UEFA Champions League scoring charts behind Karim Benzema (15) and Robert Lewandowski (13), after scoring 11 times during Ajax's run to the round of 16. 

He had previously enjoyed a 33-goal spell in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt (2017 to 2019).

After feeling unwell during BVB's pre-season tour of Switzerland, Haller underwent tests which revealed a malignant tumor. 

He had to undergo two surgeries and chemotherapy in the ensuing months, before getting the green light to link back up with his teammates.

"Hello guys, I'm finally back," Haller said in a video message on Dortmund's official Twitter handle. 

"It wasn't easy, but with your support was better and easier to do. So I'm just looking forward to seeing you in the stadium for some victories."

Seb hat eine Nachricht für Euch! 💌 pic.twitter.com/eMmN26mEmL

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) January 2, 2023

Haller has now returned to training with the German side on 2nd January 2023, suggesting he could be available for selection as soon as possible.

He is scheduled to travel to Marbella with the rest of the team on Friday for a training camp. If the 28-year-old is fit, he could make his long-awaited debut when Dortmund return to league action on January 22 against Augsburg.

"It's very positive for everyone that he is back," commented Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. 

"We gave him the best possible support as a club, but, at the end of the day, it was down to his great efforts."