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After a week of questions, worries, and doubts, Dries Mertens is finally back in training. Almost a week and a half ago, Mertens was felled by a concussion after a terror-inducing collision while playing for Belgium. He's since struggled to recover, but today he took a big step forward by stepping on the training pitch.
Feels good to be back in training! #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/fnvukQssbk
— Dries Mertens (@dries_mertens14) November 25, 2014
For those who don't read Dutch or Italian, here's a handy-dandy translation of the image's text:
"What a great feeling to be back on a football field! I want to thank all the people who helped me in the hospital in Jette and Naples, also all the people who sent messages. Thank you for your support.
"Now what counts is getting on the pitch as soon as possible to help my team Napoli."
He was training separately from the main squad, but just slowly easing back in to things is a good sign for Mertens. He's still out for Thursday's clash with Sparta Prague, but could find his way in to being available for next Monday's visit to Sampdoria if his training sessions go well.
Right now it's all about baby steps back to healthy and availability. This was the first, and there will be more to come. It's just good to see Dries on a pitch again.