Nigeria international, Nathan Tella made his long-awaited return to action on Saturday as Bayer Leverkusen earned a 3–1 victory over Wolfsburg, an important step in the winger’s recovery from a recurring knee issue.
The 24-year-old came on in the 86th minute, his first appearance since the Bundesliga’s 12th matchday.
Tella had been sidelined since mid-September, battling a persistent knee discomfort that worsened during Leverkusen’s 3–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12. His return, though brief, showed promising signs of fitness and sharpness.
Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand confirmed his readiness ahead of the game, saying in his pre-match press conference:
“Nathan [Tella] is back in the squad.” – Kasper Hjulmand
Tella had fully resumed first-team training earlier in the week, and Leverkusen’s medical staff are expected to manage his minutes carefully to avoid any recurrence of the injury.
Boost for Leverkusen and the Super Eagles
Tella’s return is particularly welcome for both Bayer Leverkusen and the Nigerian national team.
His pace, versatility, and attacking quality can give head coach Eric Chelle added depth ahead of upcoming international commitments, especially with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaching.
Tella last featured for Nigeria on May 31 in a friendly against Jamaica, where he made an instant impact by providing an assist. His absence since then has been felt both at international and club levels.
Now fully back in training and gradually returning to competitive action, the winger will be eager to regain full match sharpness and push for a place in Nigeria’s AFCON squad.
Hjulmand Explains the Injury Timeline
Reports earlier this season indicated that Nathan Tella had been struggling with discomfort for weeks before the injury worsened.
The coaching staff previously hinted he would return after the international break, an expectation that proved correct.
Two weeks prior, Hjulmand stated that Tella was close to rejoining the squad, and Saturday’s appearance confirmed the forward is back on track.
Despite being “fully fit”, he is unlikely to start immediately. After more than two months out, Leverkusen will reintroduce him gradually to ensure full recovery and long-term stability.
