Skip to content
ASMedia's Sports Arena — Football

Diego Demme returns to training as Hertha BSC chases promotion dream

A long-awaited comeback for Demme could be the spark Hertha BSC needs. With seven points to close, every match now feels like a final.

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
The image shows a group of men standing next to each other on a soccer field. They are wearing...
The image shows a group of men standing next to each other on a soccer field. They are wearing green t-shirts and some are in a squat position. There is a ball on the ground in front of them. On the right side of the image, there is a goal post. In the background, there are trees, buildings, poles, vehicles, and the sky. At the bottom left corner of the picture, it is written that reads "Bundesliga 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24-25-26-27-28-29-30-31-32-33-34-35-36-37-38-39-40-41-42-43-44-45-46-47-48-50-51-52-53-54-55-56-57-58-59-60-61-62-63-64-65-66-67-68-69-70-71-72.

Turnaround in the promotion race? Hertha sees hunter role positively - Diego Demme returns to training as Hertha BSC chases promotion dream

Hertha BSC midfielder Diego Demme has resumed individual training after months of recovery from recurring dizziness and discomfort. His absence began in December 2024, following complications from a concussion suffered the previous season. Meanwhile, head coach Stefan Leitl remains focused on the team's push for promotion, with a key match against SC Paderborn approaching.

Demme's road to recovery has been gradual but closely monitored. After his injury in December 2024, the club designed a tailored rehabilitation programme for him. This included physiotherapy, strength training, and a slow increase in workload under medical supervision. By early February 2026, he had returned to full training.

Leitl has spoken positively about the team's recent performances, noting improvements in their style of play and increased chances created. Despite sitting seven points behind the third-place promotion playoff spot in the 2. Bundesliga, he believes Hertha BSC can still string together a winning run. He described their current position as an opportunity, comparing it to being the 'hunters' in the second half of the season.

The coach also stressed the importance of Demme's return, both for his on-field contributions and his influence in the dressing room. While the upcoming match against SC Paderborn is seen as crucial, Leitl stopped short of calling it a must-win situation for promotion.

Demme's return to training marks a significant step forward after a long absence. The team's recent form suggests they are building momentum, though they still face a tough challenge to close the seven-point gap. Leitl's confidence in their ability to turn things around will be tested in the weeks ahead.

Related

Latest