Neuhaus: “Happy to be back out there”

Midfielder Florian Neuhaus discusses his return to team training, the recovery process from his injury and his targets for the second half of the season.

Flo, first of all, how are you?

Florian Neuhaus: Really good, thanks. I’m really happy and glad to finally be back out there after a long injury break. Being back with the team is a great feeling.

It’s exactly 96 days since you damaged your knee in the game against Freiburg, your first serious injury since you joined Gladbach. How did you find the whole recovery process?

Neuhaus: I just simply took things step by step and was excited to reach any small targets, such as when I could run again or when I could kick a ball again. They were big steps for me during the recovery process. The last big step was returning to team training, which I’ve just done and that’s why I’m really pleased right now.

How difficult was it to have to watch games from the stands when you’d much rather be involved?

Neuhaus: It hurt. I was pleased for the lads when they won games, but you always want to be playing as a footballer. I’m happy I can now be involved for the upcoming games.

Borussia will play FC St. Pauli at BORUSSIA-PARK in a winter friendly to prepare for the second half of the season. Will that friendly be one you look forward to more than most due to the atmosphere?

Neuhaus: Games at BORUSSIA-PARK are always something special. This match will be a good chance for me to get some minutes before our first league game of 2023 against Bayer Leverkusen.

So your aim is to be an option for Daniel Farke on matchday 16?

Neuhaus: Definitely. My knee is fine now. I just need to increase my workload bit by bit after three months without team training. That’s not a huge problem, though. I’m pretty much back already now.