Dest makes PSV return after nearly 11 months out with ACL tear

 Sergiño Dest made a long-awaited return for PSV Saturday, with the U.S. men's national team defender stepping into a competitive match for the first time since tearing his ACL last April.

Dest was given a vociferous reception at the Philips Stadion upon replacing Richy Ledezma in the 68th minute, taking over at right back, playing the final 22 minutes of a 2-1 win over Heerenveen.

PSV manager Peter Bosz announced Friday that, barring any setbacks, Dest would be in his gameday squad for this weekend's Eredivisie match.

The news was welcome for the Eindhoven-based side, who had been reeling after a 7-1 Champions League demolition at the hands of Arsenal. A disappointing league campaign — at least, by PSV's lofty standards — had allowed Ajax to enter this weekend with an eight-point lead in the Dutch top flight.

Dest's return reduces the number of Americans sidelined at PSV. Ricardo Pepi is out for the season with a knee injury suffered in January, while Malik Tillman has missed several weeks with an ankle issue. That leaves Dest and Ledezma — who could end up playing for Mexico — as the healthy portion of the U.S. contingent with the Dutch powerhouse. U.S.-born Bosnia and Herzegovina winger Esmir Bajraktarevic joined the group in January, but has been left out of Bosz's team in each of the last two matches.

Dest suffered the ACL tear on April 20, 2024 during a training session. Nevertheless, his excellent performances saw PSV decide to turn his loan from Barcelona into a permanent contract.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Dest makes PSV return after nearly 11 months out with ACL tear