Alan Ruschel, one of the three survivors of the Chapecoense plane crash in November 2016, is to make a return to football in stunning fashion.
Chapecoense were travelling to a South American cup final e on Medellin based side Atlético Nacional when tragedy hit and plane crashed in Colombia, killing all but six of the passengers. Only one of the four crewmembers, three players, and two other passengers survived.
Chapecoense have already won their first trophy since the tragic turn of events. Image: PA
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The club were on the receiving end of a number of brilliant gestures, from PES and EA Sports commemorating them in their respective games, to clubs donating money, and of course Chape being awarded the Copa Sudamericana trophy, after Nacional pushed for their opponents to be given the title.
They were also invited by Barcelona to take part in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy at the Nou Camp, and the game next month will be packed with emotion - even more so now with the news that it will mark the first game back for Alan Ruschel, the club have announced.
The left-back, who spent two weeks in hospital following the disaster, played 40 minutes in the second half of a friendly against Ypiranga, exactly 239 days since the crash, and he is now vying for his first start on August 7 when they take on the mighty Barcelona on their own turf.
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Commenting on his return, Chapecoense said in an official statement:
"Alan's return marks an important step in his recuperation as well as for the club's reconstruction.
"Considering the importance and magnitude of this game, it was understood to be the ideal occasion for a return."
As reported by ESPN, Jakson Fullman and Helio Neto, the two other players who survived the crash, are making steady progress.
Image: PA
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Both were on the bench to watch the friendly, with goalkeeper Follman, who had part of his leg amputated, taking on a role in the coaching set-up, and Neto requiring knee surgery.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Barcelona, Chapecoense
