Bundesliga
After being diagnosed with lymph node cancer in July, Stefan Lainer is now preparing to get back to playing football with Borussia Mönchengladbach after successful treatment.
Since his diagnosis, Lainer has undergone therapy treatment for the cancer and has worked with Gladbach's fitness coaches to maintain his physical fitness at the same time.
Now, the 31-year-old's journey back to the pitch has gone up a gear after he linked back up with the senior team for training.
“I’m thrilled that I can once again fully concentrate on football and train together with the team,” Lainer told Gladbach's official website.
“The last weeks and months were a big challenge. I’m very thankful to have had so much support from my family, my friends, the club and the fans during this period. All this gave me strength. In particular, I would like to thank my wife and Dr. Sellmann, who were the most important sources of support during this time.”
Roland Virkus, Borussia’s managing director for sport added: “We’re incredibly happy and also relieved that Stevie Lainer has won the battle against this illness. This triumph makes us very happy. We’re pleased for Stevie and his family.
"The fact that he’s now back with the squad and can see the other lads on a regular basis is an important step forwards. At the same time, we’ll give him the time he needs to make a full comeback.”
The summer announcement of the Austria international's cancer diagnosis brought with it an outpouring amount of support from Bundesliga players and clubs. He is the latest player in Germany to beat cancer in recent months, with Sébastien Haller, Timo Baumgartl, Marco Richter and Jean-Paul Boëtius all diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022.