Tillman Back "Sooner than Expected"

 Midfielder Hopes to Play by the End of the Season

Positive news has emerged for U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Malik Tillman as he progresses in his recovery from a serious ankle injury. The 22-year-old PSV star, who has been sidelined since mid-January, appears ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process.

According to recent updates from PSV head coach Peter Bosz, Tillman is expected to return to Eindhoven this week to begin individual training. This development comes after he underwent surgery in Dubai and continued his recovery in Germany. The accelerated timeline offers hope that the attacking midfielder could return before the Eredivisie season ends, which concludes on May 18.

This represents a significant boost for both Tillman and PSV, as initial projections following his injury during a 5-4 KNVB Cup victory over Excelsior had been less optimistic. Tillman himself had previously stated he would "be out for a few months" but remained hopeful of making a comeback before the season's end.

Unfortunately, Tillman will miss PSV's crucial Champions League Round of 16 matches against Arsenal in March. However, his potential return for the final stretch of the Eredivisie campaign would be valuable for the Dutch club. PSV is currently leading the league standings, and Tillma contributed 11 goals in 26 appearances before his injury.

The faster-than-expected recovery also has implications for Tillman's international prospects. Though he was predictably left off the USMNT roster for the upcoming March Nations League fixtures, returning to fitness before the season's end could put him in contention for selection to the Gold Cup squad this summer.

Tillman's focus remains on successfully completing his rehabilitation. "I'm feeling positive. No pain, that's important," he previously stated, demonstrating the optimistic mindset that may be contributing to his faster-than-anticipated recovery.