13-Month Injury Finally Over! Hiroki Machida Makes Bundesliga Return for Hoffenheim, Head Coach Praises His Football IQ

TSG Hoffenheim Japanese international Hiroki Machida has returned after a 13-month layoff due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. In his Bundesliga comeback against Stuttgart, he came on as a substitute with the team leading 2-1. Head coach Christian Ilzer praised his composure and football intelligence for having a positive impact on the match, while Head of Sport Sickel commended his steadiness and clear ball distribution. In the Europa League against OFI Crete, Machida entered as a substitute in the second half in a 0-2 defeat. Ilzer noted that Machida was absent for a full year without a single complaint, participating in reserve team matches to regain match fitness. He missed this summer's World Cup due to injury. On the 20th (local time), Hoffenheim traveled to face Paderborn, and amid the congested schedule, he is expected to start.