Venezia FC head coach Eusebio Di Francesco has expressed his delight at Alfred Duncan’s return to action after a prolonged injury absence.
The Ghanaian midfielder made his first appearance in nearly three months during Venezia’s clash against Atalanta on Saturday, providing a much-needed boost to the squad as they approach a crucial phase of the season.
Duncan’s comeback after three-month layoff
Duncan, sidelined since November 2024, was finally back in action on March 1, 2025, featuring in the final ten minutes of Venezia’s match against Atalanta.
Although his time on the pitch was brief, his return was a significant moment for both the player and the team.
Speaking after the game, Di Francesco emphasized Duncan’s importance to the squad, praising his experience and technical abilities.
“We missed him for two months. He is the one with the most knowledge in the group, he has quality,” the Venezia coach said. “He has gained in form and physique, and having him back is a big plus for us.”
Duncan’s presence in midfield had been sorely missed, as Venezia struggled in recent weeks to maintain consistency in Serie A.
His return comes at a crucial time, with the team fighting to improve its league standing.
Impact on the pitch and road to full fitness
Though Duncan had limited involvement in his comeback appearance, he made an impression in his short spell on the pitch.
He touched the ball ten times, completed four out of five passes with 80% accuracy, and even attempted a shot, though it failed to hit the target.
The 31-year-old midfielder’s return marks his 13th appearance of the season, and he will now focus on regaining full match fitness.
While Di Francesco is likely to gradually ease him back into the squad, Duncan’s experience and ability to dictate play from midfield will be instrumental for Venezia in the coming weeks.
Crucial addition for Venezia’s season run-in
Venezia have faced a challenging season, and Duncan’s absence since November was a notable setback.
The Ghanaian international, known for his composure on the ball and tactical intelligence, will now look to reintegrate himself into the starting lineup as quickly as possible.
With Venezia aiming to strengthen their position in Serie A, having a player of Duncan’s caliber back in contention could make a decisive difference.
As he continues to build his match fitness, both Di Francesco and Venezia supporters will be hoping that the midfielder can soon deliver the influential performances that have made him a key figure in the team.
