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Van Wolfswinkel returns to training after health scare
Ricky van Wolfswinkel has returned to first team training after recovering from a brain aneurysm Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Former Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel has returned to first-team training after recovering from surgery to treat a brain aneurysm.
The Dutch international is currently plying his trade for Swiss side FC Basel and sustained the injury playing in a Champions League qualifying match against LASK in August.
City's club record signing underwent immediate surgery to treat the condition, which can be fatal or cause extensive brain damage should it burst.
The 31-year-old then filmed an interview with Basel TV in which he said: "I'm very grateful the brain aneurysm got discovered. Normally a brain aneurysm is not discovered in time, only after it has ruptured and caused other damage."
Van Wolfswinkel hasn't been involved in training since the diagnosis but has taken another significant step in his recovery after FC Basel issued a statement on their website which confirmed the ex-City striker had returned to full team training.
Ex-City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel has returned to first-team training after a health scare. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Archive/PA Images - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
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He has been working on a reduced programme without 'duels or headers' but the Swiss club have confirmed that the treatment went according to plan.
In a video posted on social media, van Wolfswinkel said: "I am. Back. Ready. Proud. Lets do this!"
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He can return to competitive fixtures for the Swiss side, with FC Basel preparing to face FC Zurich tomorrow evening.
Van Wolfswinkel signed for the Canaries in 2014 but struggled to adapt to life in England. He scored one league goal for City, which arrived on his debut against Everton.
Loan moves to Saint-Etienne and Real Betis ended his miserable spell in Norfolk before he joined Vitesse Arnhem permanently in 2016.
He scored 20 goals in 32 games in the Eredivisie and moved to FC Basel a year later, where he has netted 30 times in 74 games in all competitions.
