This is what he feared. Jan Vertonghen wanted to end his career on a high note, but he has now been out of action for months and there is still no news regarding his return. From now on, we even wonder if the former Red Devil… has not already played his last match.
Since his injury, Jan Vertonghen has attended almost all of Anderlecht’s matches and is the first on the pitch to encourage his teammates during the warm-up. Once the match starts, the central defender usually joins the reserves bench.
The former Devil would obviously like to participate more, but his Achilles tendon injuries persist. One day, Vertonghen feels ready for the next stage of his rehabilitation, but the next day, a sharp pain resurfaces, bringing him back to where he started.
Last month, slightly positive news arrived: he could run without pain again. But other than that, little concrete information has leaked. And for Vertonghen, this uncertainty weighs heavily.
The unease seems to be growing
These doubts were even more visible last weekend after the victory against STVV. While his teammates Théo Leoni, Moussa N’Diaye and Francis Amuzu wanted to involve him in the celebrations, Vertonghen stayed behind. He would smile, celebrate briefly, then retreat again. A moment which symbolizes his situation: close to the team, but at the same time light years away from a return.
Anderlecht offered Jan Vertonghen a performance-driven contract last season in the hope of giving him the exit a player of his caliber deserves. With a trophy, if possible.
But a very serious operation on the Achilles tendons, often the solution for younger players, was not an option for the 37-year-old record player. That would inevitably mean the end of his career, and Vertonghen isn’t ready to get to that just yet.
However, the question remains: when will he return? For the moment, Vertonghen continues to work on his physical condition individually and trains carefully with the ball. But a return to group training is not yet on the cards. Uncertainty about its future still looms.
