After several serious muscle injuries, Thomas Meunier played almost no sporting role at all for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund this year. The Belgian made his first appearance of the season for BVB last Sunday in the top game against leaders Bayer Leverkusen (1-1).
In Dortmund’s away game against the Werkself, the full-back came on as a substitute for Marco Reus in the 84th minute and helped secure a draw in the final phase.
It was a very special moment for Meunier, who had already been written off by many at the Black and Yellows: “It was an incredible feeling,” the 32-year-old told BVB club media. In the entire 2023 calendar year, the defender had only made two short appearances in the Bundesliga; in the current season he had not yet appeared on the field for his colors at all.
“I was very, very happy. I had been waiting for this moment for a long time,” reported Meunier, who has been back in BVB team training since October but had not yet been taken into account by head coach Edin Terzic.
Bundesliga comeback for Meunier “like a reward”
“For me, these seven or eight minutes were like a reward,” said the Belgian, describing his emotions the day after the game. At the same time, the BVB star also revealed details about difficulties on the way back.
“I trust my body 100 percent. But I also know that I’m not 20 anymore. That can often be a problem because I always want to do too much. I feel good, but my body is perhaps a little less resilient than “earlier. It’s not always easy. I always give my all and that may not always be the best way to stay healthy,” said Meunier, who has a contract in Dortmund until the summer of 2024.
In total, Meunier has made 49 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund since 2020.