Dessers resumes training after six months

Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers has resumed full training with the Greek club ahead of the 2026/27 season after spending about six months on the treatment table with a thigh injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 31-year-old endured a frustrating debut campaign in Greece as recurring injuries restricted him to just five Greek Super League appearances, in which he scored two goals.

Dessers’ injury problems disrupted his rhythm at club level, limiting his chances of building momentum after Panathinaikos paid €4.63m to sign the Belgium-born Nigerian from Rangers.

However, the Nigerian forward has revealed that he is back working towards peak fitness and expects to be available before the start of the new Greek Super League season in August.

Speaking to BN DeStem via VoetbalPrimeur, Dessers admitted last season was one of the most difficult of his professional career because of the persistent injury setbacks.

“It has been difficult, a season with many injuries. For the first time in my career, actually, so I had to get used to that,” Dessers said.

“Especially because the club paid a nice transfer fee for me, I just want to give something back to them. For the fans, too, of course. I received so much love from them, and it feels difficult that I can’t give that back.”

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The former Genk striker added that he has already resumed intensive training with Panathinaikos and is targeting a return before the club’s European qualifying fixtures.

“I am working extremely hard to be in top shape this season. Giving it my all, scoring goals, winning matches and lifting trophies.

“I expect to be in top shape by the start of the league in mid-August. Hopefully, I’ll get some minutes in the European qualifiers before that.”

Dessers’ last appearance for Panathinaikos came in a 2-1 Greek Super League victory over Volos on December 12, 2025, when he scored before departing to represent the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He returned to the club in January with a thigh injury, sidelining him for 27 matches across all competitions.

Limited by injuries throughout the campaign, Dessers finished the season with three goals in eight appearances across all competitions.