Former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak played his first game in 502 days after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury.Kabak signed on loan in January 2021 as an emergency option in defence after Jurgen Klopp‘s side was besieged by injury, he went on to make 13 appearances.Liverpool did not take up their option to buy the centre-back at the end of that season and he instead returned to Schalke before signing another loan deal with Norwich.In 2022, Kabak was sold to Hoffenheim and established himself as a regular until he tore his ACL during a friendly against Italy while playing for Turkiye in the summer of 2024.The 25-year-old missed the entirety of the 2024/25 season and only marked his return on Sunday, coming off the bench for the final four minutes of Hoffenheim’s 3-0 win over St. Pauli.It marked the end of a 502-day wait for Kabak, who described his turbulent journey back to competitive action on social media after the match.He penned: “502 days later…View this post on InstagramA post shared by Ozan Kabak (@ozankabak4)“It’s hard to put into words what’s happened during this time. Since my injury, there have been highs and lows, both mentally and physically.“I’ve played football for as long as I can remember; it’s all I’ve ever known. Being unable to play gave me time to reflect on how much I truly love this game and what a privilege it is to play it professionally.“My recovery wasn’t a straight line. It involved countless hospital visits, managing expectations, staying resilient, and at times, dealing with self-doubt. Those who’ve been through this journey will understand.“I’m grateful to be returning to the game as a stronger and more mature player, ready to give everything on the pitch alongside my teammates once again.“To my family, doctors, club, and friends, thank you for standing by me when it mattered most and for your constant encouragement.”Kabak had to wait 16 months for his next competitive match after tearing his ACL in a nod to how the return timelines for players with the same injury is not the same.Liverpool will hope young centre-back Giovanni Leoni avoids the same extended time on the sidelines after his ACL tear last month, with the typical recovery time in the region of nine months.The 18-year-old has successfully undergone surgery, with a return not expected until next season.