Presnel Kimpembe (foto: Getty Images)
PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe rejoining team training after 638 days sidelined with an Achilles injury. Once vice-captain, he aims to regain his pivotal defensive role.
In the fast-paced world of football, a few months away from the pitch can feel like an eternity. The case of Presnel Kimpembe, a former key player in Paris Saint-Germain’s defense, illustrates how an injury can completely sideline even the most successful players.
Kimpembe’s ordeal began in February 2023, during a Ligue 1 match against Marseille, when he suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture. The injury kept him away from football for almost two years, leaving him absent for the entirety of the 2023/24 season.
Today, PSG announced that Kimpembe will rejoin first-team training this weekend—638 days after his last competitive appearance. During this lengthy absence, there were even rumors that the French defender might have to end his career prematurely. However, after a series of surgeries and a determined recovery process, Kimpembe has overcome the odds to return to the squad.
Once a vice-captain for PSG, Kimpembe played a pivotal role in the team’s defense before his injury. His return to training marks a significant milestone, not just for the player, but also for a club hoping to regain its defensive stability.