Sergino Dest has returned to the field after almost a year on the sidelines. The USA and PSV Eindhoven defender suffered a torn ACL last April.
“I am immensely happy to be back,” the Dutch born Yank said in a press conference after PSV’s victory over Heerenveen on Saturday night.
“I’ve had that feeling (getting back on the field) for eleven months. Before the game all I thought was, I want to get in and play again. Fortunately, the coach gave me a half-hour, which was super nice. I also went straight into the duels and was just driven to seek them out. Of course I have to take it easy and be careful, but it felt good.”
Dest came on in the 67th minute, replacing fellow American Ricard Ledezma in the right back position. The former NYCFC defender picked up a second half yellow card.
It was a tough road back, Dest admitted.
“The months were tough, but I had to accept it and keep going with a positive mindset. I had to learn to run again, train a lot and keep connecting with the team. The time was not easy and it took a long time, but I had a lot of support from the staff, players and supporters. Now I can show myself again.”
PSV have been unlucky with injuries this season with not only this long-term injury, but they are also missing their other two USMNT players Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman. They’re return dates are not known at this time.
The Farmers were recently destroyed at the hands of Arsenal FC by a score of 7-1 in Champions League action, so their chances of carrying on in the tournament in the next round look slim. They are also in second place, eight points behind league leaders Ajax. The 33 capped international remains optimistic however.
There are nine more games to go that we all have to win. We can and should only look forward now. In those nine games we have to make up for it.”
PSV will play Arsenal on Wednesday night, followed by their Eredivisie game away to Waalwijk. At the end of the month will be the game that will either edge them closer to the title or will all but eliminate them when they host Ajax at Philips Stadium.
