Professionals, 11. March 2025
The stadium clock in Kiel displayed 87 minutes as VfB made their fourth substitution. El Bilal high-fived team-mate Nick Woltemade on the touchline and sprinted onto the pitch, making his comeback from his injury lay-off. On 19 November 2024, the striker suffered a metatarsal fracture while on international duty for Mali against Eswatini – in the 2-2 draw at Holstein Kiel on Saturday, he announced his return.
“The last three months haven’t been easy,” said El Bilal after his session at the club centre in Cannstatt on Tuesday. “The runout against Kiel did me good after my rehab period. Even though it was only five minutes, it was the first step of many for me. It’s nice being back on the pitch with the boys.”
“Had my healing process very much in mind”
El Bilal, who’s on loan from Italian club Atalanta, immediately found his way into the game and had a number of successful actions. Now it’s a case of getting more confidence and building up his form. During his rehab period, he worked extremely hard and focused on coming back as soon as possible.
“I was in close dialogue with the doctors, staff and coaching team,” explained El Bilal. “They had my healing process very much in mind, which helped a lot and sped up my comeback. As well as that, I’ve constantly been working on myself so that I now feel good again.”
Four goal involvements for VfB already
So far this season, the 23-year-old has registered three goals and one assist in 14 competitive appearances in the white and red shirt. Now his comeback has given him strength to reach his top form step by step.