Benjamin Fredrick has taken a significant step in his recovery from a nine-month injury layoff after returning to competitive football for Brentford Under-21.
The Nigeria international featured for 45 minutes as Brentford Under-21 thrashed Sunderland Under-21 5-1 in Premier League 2, marking the defender’s first competitive appearance since suffering a serious knee injury last November.
Fredrick sustained a meniscus injury during his loan spell with Belgian club FC Dender, an injury that required surgery and brought his season to a premature end.
The setback forced the 21-year-old into a lengthy rehabilitation programme before he eventually returned to Brentford, where he was confirmed as part of the club’s first team setup.
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His comeback has been carefully managed as he worked through rehabilitation and gradually returned to contact training.
Rather than being rushed back into first team football, Fredrick’s return through the Under-21 side provides an opportunity to rebuild his match fitness and confidence after such a lengthy absence.
Brentford also acknowledged his return on social media following the convincing victory. The young defender will now hope to build on the appearance and steadily work his way towards full involvement with Brentford’s senior side.
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Meanwhile for the super eagles of Nigeria, his return is big plus. Fredrick had emerged as one of the country’s promising young defenders before the injury interrupted his progress.
A sustained return to fitness could eventually strengthen the options available to the Super Eagles as the defender continues his journey back to the highest level.
