AMSTERDAM – Aron Johannsson is nearing his return to the AZ Alkmaar first team after passing Monday's 45-minute reserve-league test with both a goal and flying colors.
The US international forward worked the first half of Young AZ's road loss to their FC Utrecht counterparts, scoring his side's only goal from the penalty spot. The Iceland-born striker underwent ankle surgery over the summer and a groin problem was discovered during the subsequent rehab process, leading to another operation in August.
It remains to be seen how quickly Johannsson will rejoin the first team, but Monday's participation is typically the first of a multi-step process the club uses to bring back players who have been out of action for a good while.
"Aron came out in good shape, indeed," AZ press officer Daan Schippers told MLSsoccer.com of Monday's live game appearance, Johannsson's first since a lone sub shift for the US national team at World Cup 2014.
"Whether he will join the first team this weekend is up to the coaches. Normally, one plays 45 minutes first, followed by 60 and 90."
Currently ninth in a tightly-packed Eredivisie table, AZ will host Groningen in league play on Saturday before visiting amateur mites GVVV in the third round of the KNVB Cup next Wednesday. Meanwhile, the next game on the reserve schedule is a November 3 trip to face Young Heracles.
