Senaya returns for Auxerre after long injury absence

Marvin Senaya says his faith helped him through a difficult period after the Auxerre defender made his competitive return from a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old Ghana international right-back had been out of action since the 2026 World Cup, where he was injured during Ghana’s Round of 32 clash with Colombia.

Senaya suffered a hamstring tear in that match and later underwent successful surgery. His long-awaited comeback came in Auxerre’s 5-1 Ligue 1 defeat by Strasbourg on Sunday.

He was brought on in the 63rd minute, replacing Congo’s Christ Makosso, to mark his return to competitive football.

Senaya reflected on the challenge of spending months away from the pitch in a post online, saying he had experienced “struggle, patience, and self-doubt” during his recovery.

“It’s been a unique journey. Months of struggle, patience, and self-doubt. And fate has brought me back to the pitch at Meinau, where part of my story began,” he wrote.

“A tough afternoon for everyone, but a significant step for me personally. My faith never wavered, even in the darkest moments. Only God knows how far I’ve come. Grateful to be back.”

The defeat at Strasbourg provided a disappointing result for Auxerre, but Senaya described his appearance as an important personal milestone after his extended absence.

His next opportunity to build on that return will come when Auxerre face Paris FC at the weekend.