Hiroki Machida returns to pitch after nearly one year away from football

Japanese defender Hiroki Machida has made his competitive return to the pitch after 357 days away due to injury. The TSG Hoffenheim player appeared as a substitute during a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on August 15.

Machida suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the Bundesliga opening match against Bayer Leverkusen last August, shortly after joining Hoffenheim from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. The injury required surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process in Japan, causing him to miss the North/Central America World Cup squad selection.

After playing approximately 20 minutes in the friendly, Machida expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “Back after a full year. Deeply grateful to everyone who stood by me.” The defender is expected to prepare for upcoming fixtures, including the DFB-Pokal and the start of the Bundesliga season.