Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant closing in on SC Paderborn comeback after lengthy injury layoff

Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant is edging closer to his competitive return for SC Paderborn after spending several months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old defender could make his first appearance in the coming days, although head coach Ralf Kettemann is considering giving him additional time before allowing him to return to action.

According to Neue Westfälische, Paderborn are planning to ease Awortwie-Grant back into competitive football through their U21 team rather than immediately involving him with the senior squad.

Saturday’s Regionalliga West encounter against SV Westfalia Rhynern has emerged as a possible opportunity for the defender to regain match fitness.

However, Kettemann remains cautious about rushing his recovery.

“With Njammi, we might prefer to wait another week,” the Paderborn coach explained, according to Neue Westfälische.

Awortwie-Grant has not featured in a competitive match since suffering a knee injury in July, making his recovery a lengthy process.

The defender initially experienced setbacks during rehabilitation before gradually returning to individual training and subsequently rejoining his teammates.

He recently completed his first full team training session in several months, marking another significant milestone in his recovery.

Paderborn taking cautious approach

Kettemann wants the defender to regain full fitness and match sharpness before considering him for the senior team.

The club are therefore considering one or two appearances with the U21 side to help him gradually rebuild his competitive rhythm.

Awortwie-Grant joined Paderborn during the summer after leaving Energie Cottbus but has yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

His eventual return will provide another defensive option for the Bundesliga side as he looks to put his injury problems behind him.

For now, Paderborn are prioritising his long-term fitness, with the coaching staff unwilling to take unnecessary risks after his lengthy absence.