VIDEO: “Rafiu is back” – Nigerian whizkid set for Viktoria Plzeň return 12 months after failed Frankfurt move

Viktoria Plzeň have announced that Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi is nearing a return to full fitness after a gruelling 15 months on the sidelines, Soccernet.ng reports.

A video titled “Rafiu is back,” shared on the club's YouTube channel on Sunday, has offered fans a glimpse of hope, showing the young striker’s recovery journey and memorable moments in the red and blue jersey.

Durosinmi’s injury nightmare began on October 21, 2023, during a league match against Liberec.

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A collision with his own goalkeeper, Marián Tvrdoně, left him with a serious knee injury, requiring ligament surgery.

The setback not only ended his season prematurely but also derailed his transfer to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024. German outlet Bild reported at the time that ankle complications further complicated the deal, which was considered a near certainty.

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After undergoing surgery, the Lagos-born striker embarked on a lengthy rehabilitation process, including a specialized program at a top clinic in Belgium.

Despite these challenges, Viktoria Plzeň head coach Miroslav Koubek remains optimistic.

Speaking after their emphatic 7-2 victory over České Budějovice, Koubek said:

“Durosinmi has been training for a long time, gaining fitness, but he hasn't made any contact yet. But the game activities, such as shooting, ball handling, and passing, have been in full operation for several weeks now. I am optimistic.”

The emotionally charged video not only highlights Durosinmi’s training progress under physiotherapist Michal Rukavička but also revisits his sensational goals against Sparta and Slavia Prague.

At just 21 years old – turning 22 on New Year’s Day – Durosinmi has already made a significant impact for Viktoria Plzeň, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists in 34 competitive matches.

As he nears a return to team training, Durosinmi faces a crucial week.

Should he pass functional tests at the end of December, he will join the squad for a January 6 training camp in Benidorm, Spain.

Coach Koubek commented:

“We will be there in good weather conditions, which is only good for him. Returning to sports form is a different topic, though.

“He hasn't played football for a year and a quarter, he can't be back right away. It will be about dosing the load, gradually increasing the playing time.”

A Box2Box FC academy product, Durosinmi joined Viktoria Plzeň in 2023 after two years at fellow Czech side Karvina.