Matisse Samoise has made his football return for KAA Gent after 252 days out. The 24-year-old wing-back played one half for Jong Gent against RSCA Futures, as reported by VoetbalFocus this week.
Samoise's comeback is a welcome boost for a team enjoying an excellent start to the season. KAA Gent currently sits third in the Jupiler Pro League with a perfect record of twelve points from four games. Coach Rik De Mil's side has scored seven goals and conceded only two.
How did Samoise's long rehabilitation unfold?
Matisse Samoise suffered his severe cruciate ligament injury during a league match against Westerlo on December 27 last year. Before the injury, he was a regular starter for Gent. His return after exactly 252 days was officially confirmed via the club's X account. The match for Jong Gent, the Buffalos' reserve team, served purely to regain match rhythm.
The path back to the first team is now underway. Coach Rik De Mil will closely monitor the full-back's progress in the coming weeks. The complete squad overview can be found on our squad page.
What does his return mean for the full squad?
Samoise's return comes at a good time. Gent faces a busy schedule, including European football in the Conference League. The club survived three qualifying rounds and reached the league phase of that tournament. In the league, the team secured a notable victory over Club Brugge.
Whether Samoise can reclaim a regular starting spot this season is not yet clear. He must first fully regain his fitness and rhythm. His versatility on the flank, however, could be a significant asset for the rest of the campaign. The current standings show how tight the league is.
What are the next steps for Gent?
The focus now shifts to the next official fixture. KAA Gent faces Genk away on September 13, the seventh-placed team. That confrontation is another test for the team's strong form. The full schedule can be consulted in the fixtures.
For Matisse Samoise, the real work is just beginning. His first match minutes since December are in the books, but the road to a starting place in the first team is still long. His next appearance for Jong Gent will be awaited with interest.
