Jan Vertonghen has been sidelined for five months due to the Achilles tendon injury he suffered at the start of the season. Despite sometimes pessimistic reports, he is now back in the core at Anderlecht and should get some playing time.
Jan Vertonghen himself fueled some rumors that he wouldn't return immediately by walking around during matches as if he was already part of the team. It seemed like he was more of an assistant or team manager than a recovering footballer.
But that was part of his role as captain. In Neerpede, they still consider him their captain. And he is part of the adventure, in all circumstances.
Achilles tendinitis in both feet, however, has proven to be incurable. It is also particularly delicate, Vertonghen absolutely not wanting to have an operation. There were doubts, because every time he thought he was almost free of it, there was a relapse.
But Vertonghen had been optimistic for a while and had been pain free for a week. With caution, of course, because his situation will continue to be monitored daily. Another relapse would almost certainly mean the end of his career, as he is in the final year of his contract and hasn't even considered adding another one.
Jan Vertonghen wants to say goodbye in style
However, he wants to say goodbye in style, on the pitch. That's why he took his time and the medical staff also want to eliminate as many risks as possible. Over the past few months, the tendon has been stretched and stimulated to increase blood flow.
This promotes healing and strengthens the tendon. In fact, there are only a few medications that can speed up the process. In addition, a tendon heals more slowly than a muscle.
In the coming weeks, Vertonghen hopes to be able to intensify his training work. If he can do it without pain, he should be in great shape for the foreseeable future. Anderlecht with Vertonghen in top form for the play-offs, that's the objective.
