Linton Maina returns to FC Koln training after illness

Linton Maina is set to return to full team training with FC Koln after recovering from an illness, giving the club a welcome boost before their pre-season camp in Austria.

According to Bild, the 27-year-old will travel with the squad on Friday and can finally resume preparation for the new Bundesliga season alongside his teammates.

Maina had been sidelined since Monday and missed recent sessions on the training pitch, but the setback now appears to be over. His return comes at a useful time for Koln, who are trying to build rhythm and sharpen their attacking play before the competitive campaign begins.

Born in Berlin, Maina made his professional debut for Hannover 96 on 18 March 2018, coming off the bench for Marvin Bakalorz in a 1-0 Bundesliga loss away to Borussia Dortmund. On 19 May 2022, it was announced that he would join FC Koln on a free transfer for the 2022-23 season, and he has remained part of the squad ever since.

FC Koln beat Bergisch Gladbach 8-0 in a pre-season friendly yesterday. FC Koln will take on Spanish side Real Sociedad on August 7th.