Ihlas Bebou comeback remains uncertain despite game time

Despite making two appearances in two separate test games for TSG Hoffenheim, Ihlas Bebou’s comeback still remains unclear, according to Kicker. 

It would have been thought impossible for Bebou to play competitive football again this calendar after undergoing surgery on damaged cartilage in the knee. It was thought the forward would be missing until 2023 at least. 

However, after successful surgery and rehabilitation, Bebou played around 20 minutes in a 3-2 victory over 1860 Munich and a 3-3 draw with  Greuther Fürthtwo days later. 

Head coach André Breitenreiter remains cautious about reintroducing Bebou back into regular competitive action. 

“We have successively increased the sub-areas with him in training, the knee shows little or no reaction, but we have to be very careful when increasing the load,” explained the 49-year-old. 

Hoffenheim have missed the attacking prowess of Bebou ever since his injury. The side’s other strikers haven’t been able to fill the spot in terms of goals. Andrej Kramarić and Georginio Rutter have just 5 goals and 5 assists between so far this season. What’s more, Kramarić suffered a slight injury with Croatia at the World Cup. 

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hoffenheim look for a striker in the January transfer window. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen