Cyriel Dessers has revealed he is on course to make his long-awaited return to competitive football after recovering from the thigh injury that prematurely ended his debut season with Panathinaikos.
The Super Eagles striker resumed training with the Greek giants ahead of the new campaign and is now targeting a return before the start of the Greek Super League season in mid August.
Speaking to BN DeStem, Dessers said he is determined to put last season’s frustrations behind him.
“I am working extremely hard to be in top shape this season. Giving it my all, scoring goals, winning matches, and lifting trophies.
“I expect to be in top shape by the start of the league in mid August. Hopefully, I’ll get some minutes in the European qualifiers before that.”
Dessers’ 2025/26 campaign was cut short after he sustained a persistent thigh injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Although he initially returned to Greece for treatment and Panathinaikos hoped to avoid surgery, further medical examinations later confirmed that the injury had failed to heal adequately.
The club subsequently approved surgery, ruling the 31-year-old out for the remainder of the season, with an estimated recovery period of around three months.
The setback was particularly disappointing as Dessers had made an encouraging start following his move from Scottish Premiership side Rangers, scoring two goals and providing one assist in just five Greek Super League appearances before injury struck.
Reflecting on his rehabilitation, the striker admitted the experience had been one of the toughest periods of his career.
“It has been difficult, a season with many injuries. For the first time in my career, actually, so I had to get used to that.
“Especially because the club paid a nice transfer fee for me, I just want to give something back to them. For the fans too, of course. I received so much love from them and it feels difficult that you can’t give that back.”
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