One year ago today, Erik Durm took to the field in what was to be his last competitive outing for BVB until now: he came on as a substitute for Marc Bartra in the 76' minute of the DFB Cup Final against Eintracht Frankfurt (2-1). The long period of suffering is finally over, "thank God", to use his words. The 2014 World Cup winner has successfully come through his rehabilitation programme, has begun fitness training again and ball training in part, and is convinced that he will be completely ready to participate in all forms of training when it recommences in July.

The training centre in Brackel is deserted. His colleagues are in Los Angeles as he steps onto the turf. Led by athletics and rehabilitation coach Dr. Anke Steffen, the 26-year-old winger performs runs of increasing intensity. Then the ball is added to the mix, and a broad grin spreads across his face. "I feel positive and my body feels good too. I can't feel the problem any more at all", says Durm, who was able to complete his rehabilitation in Munich 10 days ago, and who is now finishing off the final phase of his journey back into regular team training sessions: "I am currently doing a lot of intensive running work."

He watched the 2018 Cup Final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayern Munich on the television in the company of friends, but did not for one moment give thought to the fact that the 2017 final had been his 96th and hitherto last competitive match for the Black and Yellows. It is in the past now ("A number of factors and a lot of ill fortune all came together; nobody thought I would be absent for a year.") and his attention is turned towards the future: "I can train without complaint. That is the most important thing." His conviction that the long period of suffering is now behind him once and for all grows day by day. "I want to be completely fit for preseason training at the beginning of July", he said. "That is the plan."

Erik Durm will spend the coming days at home after two weeks of intensive work with Dr. Anke Steffen, after which he will go on a two-week-long activity holiday before preparing himself on an individual basis for the start of training at BVB.

Erik Durm wants to be there for when things start up again at the beginning of July under Lucien Favre at BVB, and does not want to be sidelined again.

Boris Rupert