'The unfortunate striker' Cho Kyu-sung (27, Midtjylland) has finally returned to the training ground. The timing of his return remains uncertain, but it is an extremely welcome development for both Midtjylland and Cho Kyu-sung.

Having missed the entire 2024-2025 season, Cho Kyu-sung has begun serious rehabilitation training, kicking off his return to the pitch. FC Midtjylland revealed the team's training session on the 19th (Korea time) through the club's official social media, ahead of the start of the 2025-2026 season.

Among them, the person who stood out the most was South Korean forward Cho Kyu-sung. In the videos and photos posted by Midtjylland, Cho Kyu-sung is seen smiling brightly and making a 'V' sign with his hand. There are also scenes of him on a cycle performing lower body strengthening exercises. The face that hadn’t been seen for over a year has returned to the training ground.

Cho Kyu-sung underwent surgery after the final league match against Silkeborg on May 27, 2023. This was a choice made to resolve knee pain he had been experiencing. However, recovery was not smooth. Complications arose after the surgery, extending the rehabilitation period, and ultimately, he did not play a single match during the 2024-2025 season. He endured a long time of patience and pain.

Cho Kyu-sung did not give up. In a video released by Midtjylland last March, he noted, "I miss many fans and the pitch. I will return soon." After 12 months of waiting, he has returned to the training ground.

Local media outlet 'Tipsbladet' emphasized, "The first training was an individual program with the physical trainer, but it is an important positive signal for both Cho Kyu-sung and Midtjylland." They added, "It is fortunate that he participated in training for the first time since his surgery in June 2023."

Cho Kyu-sung made his name known globally with a multi-header goal against Portugal in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and in July 2023, he challenged the European stage wearing the Midtjylland jersey. In his first season, the 2023-2024 season, he established himself as a key striker for the team, scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists in 30 Danish league matches, along with 13 goals and 4 assists in 37 official matches.

Midtjylland's new sports director, Kristian Bach Bak, said, "It is difficult to assert how he is doing at this point, but I really wanted to see Cho Kyu-sung." He noted, "He did not stop rehabilitation even during his vacation, and he is getting better." Coach Thomas Thomasberg also cautiously expressed optimism about his return, stating, "The recovery speed has been slower than expected, but what is important is that there is clear progress."

The exact timing of his return has not yet been determined. However, having reappeared at the training ground, Cho Kyu-sung has begun preparing his body for the 2025-2026 season, starting his journey to reclaim the year he lost. The day when Cho Kyu-sung will once again make a 'V' sign on the pitch is not far off.

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