Samu returns to Porto training after knee injury

Samu Aghehowa has taken a significant step toward returning to action, training alongside his Porto teammates for the first time since suffering a serious right-knee injury in February.

Porto said the 22-year-old forward completed a “conditioned integrated training” session with the squad on Monday. It was the Portuguese champions’ final training session before Tuesday’s Champions League match against Manchester City.

Coach Francesco Farioli urged caution over the return of Porto’s leading scorer. “He has been working hard to recover, but before he plays again, we need several confirmations from the medical team and the doctors who took part in the surgery,” Farioli said at a news conference. He added that Samu’s condition must be evaluated daily.

“

He has been working hard to recover, but before he plays again, we need several confirmations from the medical team and the doctors who took part in the surgery.

Still, Farioli said seeing the striker back near the squad and beginning to train and touch the ball provided “extra motivation for everyone.” Samu, who was born in Melilla, suffered a sprained right knee involving the anterior cruciate ligament during a Porto match on Feb. 9. The injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Despite missing the closing months, Samu played a central role in Porto’s campaign. He finished as the club’s top scorer with 20 goals, 13 of them in the Portuguese league, which Porto won.

“

Extra motivation for everyone.