After almost a year of frustration and recovery, Ghanaian defender Nathaniel Adjei is finally closing in on a long-awaited comeback. The Lorient centre-back has endured a gruelling 346-day spell on the sidelines following an ankle injury that derailed his promising rise in French football, but the end of the wait is now in sight.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the 21-year-old revealed that his rehabilitation has gone according to plan and that he’s now back training fully with the team. His inclusion in Lorient’s Matchday squad for the first time in nearly a year, during last weekend’s thrilling 3–3 draw with Stade Brestois, marked a major milestone in his recovery.
“The recovery is going really well, thankfully. Making the bench last week was already a big step for me. I’ve been training fully with the team, and if everything continues like this, I should be back playing soon. It’s just about regaining full match rhythm now,” Adjei said.
The setback, which required surgery and an extended rehabilitation program, came at the worst possible time, just as Adjei was beginning to establish himself as a regular starter. Yet, his imminent return offers a much-needed lift for Lorient, who have struggled to find stability in their Ligue 1 campaign.
On souhaite aujourd’hui un joyeux anniversaire à Igor Silva ainsi qu’à Nathaniel Adjei 🎂🐟 pic.twitter.com/rslS6N4YIj
— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) August 21, 2025
The newly promoted side have endured a rocky start, collecting just two wins from their opening eight matches. Adjei admits it’s been a difficult run but insists the team’s spirit remains unbroken.
“It’s been a tough start, no doubt,” he admitted. “We’ve been creating chances but not always taking them, and sometimes we lose focus in key moments. The team is working hard to fix that, and everyone is committed to turning things around. It’s a long season, and we believe the results will come with consistency and confidence.”
Adjei joined Lorient on a permanent deal in June 2024 after a successful loan spell that showcased his composure and maturity beyond his years. Having now played in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, he believes the jump to the top division has sharpened his understanding of the game.
“The main difference is the intensity and quality,” he explained. “Ligue 1 is faster and more tactical, every mistake can be punished. In Ligue 2, the games are more physical, but in Ligue 1, you face technically gifted players who read the game better. You have to be sharper mentally and make quicker decisions.”
Beyond club football, Adjei’s eyes are firmly set on a return to the Black Stars setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Though he missed Ghana’s qualifying campaign through injury, he remains optimistic about both his personal prospects and the team’s potential on the global stage.
“Ghana has a strong squad with a lot of young talent and experience mixed in. If we stay united and focused, I believe we can surprise many people. Personally, it would mean everything to make the squad. I’m working hard to be ready and hopefully earn my place,” he said.
🤝 Nathaniel Adjei poursuit son aventure au @FCLorient
Le FC Lorient a décidé de lever l’option d’achat pour le défenseur ghanéen, qui était prêté lors de la seconde partie de saison dernière dans le Morbihan (15 matches). pic.twitter.com/jRSry3flcA
— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) June 15, 2024
With his long and painful recovery almost behind him, Adjei’s focus is now clear, reclaiming his place on the pitch and writing a new chapter in both his club and international career.
His patience and perseverance over the past 346 days may yet prove to be the foundation for an even stronger comeback.
