New Zealand international Ryan Thomas has taken a significant step towards a return from a long-term injury, making a comeback for his PEC Zwolle club in a behind-closed-doors pre-season match.
Thomas (29) played a full 45 minutes after starting for the Dutch club in their 3-0 win against Jong FC Ultrecht. His last competitive game was in December 2023.
His return takes the Te Puke-born midfielder closer to resuming his career which has been dogged by serious injuries, restricting him to 19 international caps over a 10-year period.
Thomas’ last season was prematurely ended by a serious knee injury and he went out of contract as the season closed.
However, PEC Zwolle showed their faith in Thomas, agreeing a new contract till mid-2025 and appointing him as their club captain.
Main photo: Ryan Thomas … making a comeback. Photo credit: PEC Zwolle.
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He has had two spells at the club, making 167 first team appearances.
Between spells at PEC Zwolle, he joined Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2018 but the former Melville United, Waikato FC and Western Suburbs player experienced a cruciate ligament tear, and needed two operations on his knee and ankle.
Result
Game played on Wednesday September 4, 2024 (NZT)
PEC Zwolle 3 (Dylan Mbayo, Zaid el Morabit, Kaj de Rooij)
Jong FC Utrecht 0
This story was first published on September 5, 2024.
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