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Ozan Kabak makes emotional return after 502 days out with serious knee injury

  /  autty

A forgotten former Liverpool star has finally made his emotional return from injury after over 500 days on the sidelines.

Ozan Kabak, 25, played for Liverpool on loan during the latter half of the 2020-21 campaign under Jurgen Klopp, arriving from Schalke during the January transfer window to aid Anfield's growing injury crisis.

The Turkish centre-back, who has plied his trade at Bundesliga club Hoffenheim for the last three years, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in June 2024 and has since endured a frustrating 16-month spell in recovery.

But Kabak finally made his comeback from injury during Hoffenheim's 3-0 victory over FC St. Pauli in the Bundesliga on Sunday, earning a warm reception from fans after coming on as a substitute.

Marking the emotional return in a post on social media platform Instagram, Kabak wrote after the match: '502 days later… It’s hard to put into words what’s happened during this time. Since my injury, there have been highs and lows, both mentally and physically.

'I’ve played football for as long as I can remember; it’s all I’ve ever known. Being unable to play gave me time to reflect on how much I truly love this game and what a privilege it is to play it professionally.

'My recovery wasn’t a straight line. It involved countless hospital visits, managing expectations, staying resilient, and at times, dealing with self-doubt. Those who’ve been through this journey will understand.

'I’m grateful to be returning to the game as a stronger and more mature player, ready to give everything on the pitch alongside my teammates once again.

'To my family, doctors, club, and friends, thank you for standing by me when it mattered most and for your constant encouragement.'

Despite showing plenty of promise early in his career at Galatasaray, Stuttgart and Schalke, Kabak's Liverpool career was ultimately short lived.

In 2021, with centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez already on the treatment table long-term, the Reds were forced to delve swiftly into the transfer market on deadline day after Joel Matip picked up a disastrous ankle ligament injury.

It led to Kabak and ex-Preston North End centre-half Ben Davies arriving as emergency transfers, with the latter completing a permanent move to Anfield.

As it transpired, neither Kabak or Davies were able to carve out a role in Klopp's established first XI, with Nat Phillips generally preferred alongside midfielder Fabinho in the heart of defence.

Kabak struggled on debut against Leicester after being thrown in by Klopp just days after his move to Anfield, with the Reds losing 3-1 at the King Power.

Liverpool reportedly spent £1million on Kabak's loan, which included a buy option of £18m plus bonuses for the end of the season, but opted not to sign him on a permanent basis.

Despite the injury crisis, Liverpool went on to finish third in the Premier League that season behind runaway champions Manchester City and bitter rivals Manchester United, who finished second.

After his failed Liverpool spell, which consisted of just nine appearances in all competitions, Kabak moved to Norwich City on loan during the 2021-22 campaign, before sealing a permanent transfer to Hoffenheim.