USA international John Brooks has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from injury by playing in a friendly match for Wolfsburg on Thursday.

The 26-year-old has not featured in a competitive game since the Wolves’ 1-1 draw at home to Paderborn on Matchday 3 at the end of August after sustaining a groin injury during the September international break with the US men’s national team.

Yet Brooks was back on Thursday, starting alongside Jeffrey Bruma at centre-back against Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel and playing 71 minutes of the teams’ 1-1 draw.

Brooks started Wolfsburgs friendly against Holstein Kiel and played 71 minutes before being substituted off. - imago images/regios24

After the final whistle, head coach Oliver Glasner was satisfied with the American’s contribution – and that of fellow returnee Paulo Otavio: “It’s great that they’re back. Neither of them seem to have had any issues with the areas they were injured. Now I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that they don’t have any negative reaction to the strain.”

Brooks’ impending return to competitive action can only mean good news for Wolfsburg, who are second in the standings and the only unbeaten side in Germany’s top flight.

That record will be put to the test in their next assignment on Matchday 8 when they travel to RB Leipzig on Saturday 19 October, where Brooks could line up against USA teammate Tyler Adams, who is likewise returning from a long-term injury.

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