Nigeria international Tyronne Ebuehi has made an emotional return to the pitch, nearly 13 months after suffering a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined.
The Empoli right-back made his long-awaited debut in the 2024–25 Serie A season during Sunday’s goalless draw with Cagliari. Coming on in the 65th minute, Ebuehi replaced Junior Sambia in what marked his first appearance for the team in over a year.
The match, held at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, was crucial as Empoli continues to fight for survival in the top flight.
Ebuehi had been out of action since March 16, 2024, when he sustained a cruciate ligament injury in a league match against Bologna, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
After the match, Ebuehi spoke to Italian outlet TMW and shared his joy: “I’m happy to be back on the pitch. I feel ready and determined to help the team fight for safety. I want to contribute in these crucial final games of the season.”
Despite his return, Empoli remains in 18th place in the Serie A standings with 24 points from 31 games—two points behind safety. With just seven matches remaining, the pressure is mounting to avoid relegation.
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On Empoli’s survival prospects, Ebuehi said: “We still have two points to recover, but there are plenty of games left and opportunities to seize. We have to give it everything until the very end.
Photo by Getty Images
This was my second serious injury, and being sidelined for a year was very challenging. There were tough moments, but now I’m just happy to be back.”
Empoli’s next challenge is a trip to face Napoli on April 14, as they continue their battle to stay in Serie A.
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Ebuehi, who made 15 appearances in Serie A last season and registered one assist, joined Empoli in July 2022 after stints with Benfica II and Venezia. He made his Serie A debut for Venezia in August 2021 against Napoli and later played his first game for Empoli in the top flight on August 28, 2022.
Over his Serie A career, Ebuehi has made 61 appearances, scoring two goals, providing five assists, and earning just one red card.
