Sebastien Haller says being back on the field and scoring goals for Borussia Dortmund "is all a bonus" following his recovery from cancer.

The Ivory Coast international scored twice in Saturday's 6-1 win over Koln to help Dortmund leapfrog Bayern Munich, who travel to Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.

Despite playing football at elite level just three months after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer, Haller has come in for criticism for his lack of goals.

Prior to his brace against Koln, the 28-year-old had scored just once in 12 appearances, but he is glad to now be playing his part.

"I'm happy to be here and playing at all. It's all a bonus to me," Haller, who joined Dortmund from Ajax in July, told Sport1.

"If you think after just a few weeks everything that happened in the six months before is forgotten, that would be a big mistake."

Even without scoring, Haller still played an important role for Dortmund in terms of his build-up play, with his return to the side coinciding with a 10-game winning streak.

Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: "These goals will give him a boost. 

"What has been surfacing in the last few weeks is not justified after everything the boy has been through. His work has paid off and he feels the support of the whole club."

Marco Reus also scored twice in Dortmund's win against Koln to overtake Michael Zorc as the club's outright all-time record scorer in the professional era with 161 goals.

Long-serving midfielder Reus has spent 11 seasons in Dortmund's first team and reiterated he intends to see out his career at the Westfalenstadion.

"I have said it in the past weeks, months, years that I would like to end my career here," said Reus, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of the season. 

"I feel really good. We are in talks [over a new deal]. Everything else will become clear in the coming weeks."

Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller called his debut an "unforgettable" experience after his first appearance since recovering from testicular cancer.

The Ivory Coast international signed for the Bundesliga outfit last year, but was diagnosed with a tumour just days after making the move from Ajax.

Having gone through several rounds of treatment, Haller scored a hat-trick in a friendly with Basel earlier this month, and enjoyed his maiden competitive outing in Sunday's 4-3 win over Augsburg.

After receiving a standing ovation following his arrival as a second-half substitute, the forward was overwhelmed by the response

"The welcome I received was something unbelievable, unforgettable," he told broadcaster DAZN. "I was just happy to be here and to take my first steps on the pitch.

"It's something we can take with the team, this atmosphere, we can use [it] to win games."

Haller, who sported boots with the slogan 'F*** Cancer*, showed no signs of serious rust during his half-hour cameo for the Black and Yellow, though he acknowledged he still has work to do.

"There are still a few things to do to reach my full fitness," he added. "For the moment I'm just focused on the work. You will see in the next weeks and months how it's going."

Dortmund lie sixth in the Bundesliga, seven points off leaders Bayern Munich in what is shaping up to be a competitive race for European qualification. 

They next travel to Mainz on Wednesday before wrapping up the month on the road against Bayer Leverkusen next Sunday.

Sebastien Haller made his first appearance for Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, less than six months after starting treatment for testicular cancer.

The Ivory Coast striker arrived from Ajax in July but was almost immediately sidelined after the discovery of a malignant tumour during pre-season testing in July.

Haller underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy, and was present as Dortmund returned to training for the first time after the World Cup last week at a camp in Marbella, Spain.

In the 74th minute of Dortmund's 5-1 friendly win against fellow German side Fortuna Dusseldorf, Haller replaced Youssoufa Moukoko to make his first appearance for the club, sharing a hug with head coach Edin Terzic before entering the pitch.

Terzic's side took an early lead when Felix Passlack finished from a neat throughball by Marco Reus, though Dusseldorf equalised almost immediately via a Dawid Kownacki penalty.

Jude Bellingham dribbled into the box to set up Karim Adeyemi for a simple second for Dortmund just after the half-hour mark, but they had to wait until after Haller's arrival to add further goals.

Nico Schlotterbeck swept home a Julian Brandt cross from the left with nine minutes to go, before Donyell Malen raced onto Thomas Meunier's ball over the top to make it four, and the Dutchman added a fifth just before full-time with a finish into the far-right corner following a delightful jinking run from the left.

Dortmund resume their Bundesliga campaign at home to Augsburg on January 22, having finished the first part of the season before the World Cup in sixth place, nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Sebastien Haller has his sights set on a comeback after training with Borussia Dortmund for the first time since undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.

The Ivory Coast striker joined Dortmund from Ajax ahead of this season, but he is yet to feature for the Bundesliga giants after discovering a malignant tumour during pre-season testing in July.

Haller subsequently underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy, with Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke professing his hope the striker could return after the mid-season break.

Dortmund returned to training for the first time after the World Cup on Monday, and an update on the club's website revealed Haller was present as the squad underwent fitness testing, though he will be "carefully introduced".

Haller later posted on Twitter to outline his hopes for 2023, writing: "Happy New Year everyone! It starts very well for me because it is synonymous with returning to the field! 2022 was not the easiest year, but it prepared me to take up all the new challenges that 2023 will offer me.

"Looking forward to seeing you all again."

Haller finished as the Eredivisie's top goalscorer last season, netting 21 times in 31 appearances as Ajax won their third consecutive title.

Dortmund sit sixth in a congested Bundesliga table ahead of the league's resumption later this month.

Sebastien Haller has been surprised by the "compassion" of others since being diagnosed with testicular cancer, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino backed the Borussia Dortmund striker to bounce back.

The Ivory Coast international moved to Bundesliga heavyweights Dortmund of the new campaign, after a superb 2021-22 season with Ajax saw him finish as the Eredivisie's top scorer.

His plans for making an early impact on the field in Germany were scuppered when a tumour was found, with the 28-year-old former West Ham player needing to undergo chemotherapy.

Haller has been understandably reluctant to put a time frame on his return to action, but he feels positive about the progress he is making, saying: "I'm very well. The treatment is going well, and luckily I'm able to train every day."

Speaking about the support he has had, Haller told FIFA.com: "It was a shock, but it's been positive. I never expected to get such a response or have so much compassion shown to me, and not just from the football world. These are things that bring us all together, and it's given me a huge amount of strength in facing up to this challenge.

"It doesn't matter whether they're Ivorian, Dutch, French, German, English or whatever; everyone who's given me their support from near or far is a source of energy for my family, friends and I.

"All I can say to them is that I'll be doing everything I can to come back as quickly as possible and to play a decisive role for my club and my country."

Haller made a welcome appearance in the crowd to see Dortmund get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start on Tuesday, with a 3-0 home victory over FC Copenhagen.

Dortmund also sit second in the Bundesliga table after five games, level on points with Freiburg who hold top spot on goal difference.

The signs are promising that Haller will rejoin a strong squad, once he is ready to play again.

FIFA chief Infantino wrote to him: "On behalf of both myself and the international football community, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to you for a full and speedy recovery, and hope to see you back to full health very soon."

Sebastien Haller has given a positive update on his tumour treatment, but the Borussia Dortmund striker says it will be "a few months" before he can consider a playing return.

His diagnosis followed a July move to the Bundesliga heavyweights, after a superb 2021-22 season with Ajax saw Haller finish as the Eredivisie's top scorer.

Hopes of a flying start in Germany were checked after a testicular tumour was found, with the 28-year-old forced to step back from the field to undergo chemotherapy. Dortmund have since signed Anthony Modeste as back-up.

Former West Ham player Haller has said he is in good spirits and does not feel his body has been significantly affected since starting his course of treatment.

"I walk every day and check my body," Haller told ESPN. "I haven't lost that much after two weeks. I'm even at the same level as a few months ago. That's a good sign and I hope it stays that way. I feel very well."

The Ivory Coast international was reluctant to put a time-frame on his return to competitive football, saying: "Let's just say now is not the best time to take that step, because it will take me a few months.

"The important thing is that I don't lose too much muscle mass. I have to stay fit, and a month before I return on the field I will do some work with the ball again. Now the most important thing is that my body feels good.

"My first goal is to be back on the field, to play for [Dortmund] and score my first goal. That will be a beautiful and emotional moment."

Dortmund have enjoyed a solid start to the new campaign in Haller's absence, with three wins from four Bundesliga games, as they aim to mount another title challenge against holders Bayern Munich.

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of experienced Bundesliga striker Anthony Modeste from Cologne for a reported fee of €5million.

The 34-year-old has signed a one-year contract after it was revealed new arrival Sebastien Haller will miss a significant period due to being diagnosed with a testicular tumour last month.

Haller had been signed as the replacement for Erling Haaland, who left for Manchester City earlier in the transfer window. 

The former West Ham and Ajax striker underwent surgery in the first stage of his treatment, with Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl confirming Haller would be out "for a few months", but adding further treatment plans were still being discussed.

On Sunday, Kehl confirmed Dortmund had reached an agreement with Cologne for Modeste, although he noted the move remained contingent on a medical being completed and personal terms agreed.

With those formalities complete, the Frenchman is set to lead the line for the eight-time German champions in Haller's absence.

Dortmund's new signing said: "I am very grateful to 1. FC Koln for the wonderful and successful time I had there. However, I have now decided to make a change.

"The offer from BVB has given me a special chance to play in the Champions League at my age and to prove myself at the highest level. I am delighted about this opportunity and I promise that I will give everything for the success of the team and the club."

Modeste has scored 83 goals in 190 Bundesliga games, spending two years at Hoffenheim before moving to Cologne for two spells either side of a short period in China and a brief time in France with Saint-Etienne.

His knowledge of the league and aerial prowess will likely have been key reasons for Dortmund targeting him, with Modeste scoring eight headed goals in the first half of last season, the most by a player in the first half of a Bundesliga season since detailed data collection began in 2004-05.

Dortmund won their first game of the Bundesliga campaign 1-0 against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday thanks to a Marco Reus goal, but did lose another new attacker Karim Adeyemi to injury in the first half at Signal Iduna Park.

Borussia Dortmund will not be selling Jude Bellingham, but the Bundesliga giants are optimistic they will have a new striker on board by the end of next week.

England midfielder Bellingham has emerged as a target for some of Europe's biggest clubs, with Real Madrid reportedly among his admirers.

At just 19, he is entering his third Bundesliga campaign, having previously spent a year as a first-team regular with English second-tier side Birmingham City.

It appears Bellingham will still be a Dortmund player by the time the World Cup gets under way in November, with the German club eager to avoid a second star exit in this transfer window after Erling Haaland left for Manchester City.

Asked if he could rule out selling Bellingham, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said: "Yes, definitely, 100 per cent."

Dortmund's focus is on finding a striker to cover for the absence of Sebastien Haller, their Ivory Coast international whose testicular tumour has been confirmed as being malignant.

Haller, who joined from Ajax in the close season, will undergo chemotherapy treatment and is expected to be absent for several months.

Watzke acknowledged Haller faces a "relatively long" spell out of action and said it would be expecting too much to think that teenager Youssoufa Moukoko could step up week after week as a deputy.

Watzke told Sportschau.de: "To dump everything on Youssoufa Moukoko's shoulders – he is 17 years old – that might be a bit much.

"So I think we'll do something again in terms of personnel. A really good solution is also difficult because the range on the market is not exactly lavish.

"Ideally, something should happen in the next eight to 10 days."

Sebastien Haller will undergo chemotherapy treatment after his testicular tumour was revealed to be malignant.

The forward, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Ajax this close-season, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month after complaining of feeling unwell at BVB's training camp in Austria.

Haller last week underwent surgery in the first stage of his treatment.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl had confirmed Haller would be missing "for a few months" but added further treatment plans were still being discussed.

And a Dortmund statement on Saturday confirmed Haller's diagnosis and the need for chemotherapy.

The statement, which updated that Haller would be absent for "several months", said: "We ask for the understanding of the media and fans that, beyond the information mentioned, we will not disclose any medical details regarding the treatment of Sebastien Haller today or during the coming months."

Kehl added: "Sebastien will now receive the best possible treatment. The chances of recovery are very good. We wish him and his family a lot of strength and optimism and are with him with our thoughts at this difficult time."

Sebastien Haller is expected to be out of action for "a few months" after undergoing the first stage of treatment for a testicular tumour, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has announced.

The 28-year-old striker left Dortmund's pre-season training camp in Austria last week after complaining of feeling unwell, with subsequent tests discovering the tumour.

Haller, who joined the German club from Ajax earlier this month in a club-record deal reported to be worth €36million, confirmed on social media that the first stage of his treatment had been successful.

Providing another update on Wednesday, Dortmund chief Kehl said further treatment plans are still being discussed and no exact return date had yet been fixed for the Ivory Coast international.

"Sebastien was operated on last week. We asked for patience at the time," Kehl said at a news conference. "The therapy is currently being discussed. There are various options.

"Sebastien will be out for a few months, but once we can be more precise about that we will communicate it."

Haller excelled in the Netherlands with Ajax during a prolific 18-month spell that included 11 goals in just eight Champions League appearances in the 2021-22 season.

That included a four-goal haul in Ajax's first group-stage match against Sporting CP, as well as goals in both of their fixtures against Dortmund.

All in all, he scored in all but one of Ajax's Champions League matches – the exception being a 1-0 defeat to Besiktas in the second leg of the last 16.

Haller's layoff is a major blow to Dortmund's hopes of challenging 10-in-a-row champions Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this term, but they have been tipped to bring in another striker before the season begins.

"We are working on options and ideas, but there is nothing specific at the moment," Kehl said. "He will be out for two months and we have a tough schedule until November, but our squad offers options."

Sebastien Haller has offered a positive update on his condition after undergoing the first stage of treatment for a testicular tumour.

The Borussia Dortmund new boy was forced to leave the club's pre-season training camp after complaining of feeling unwell on Monday, with subsequent tests discovering the tumour.

Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic subsequently revealed the Ivory Coast striker had returned to Germany for further examinations and described the news as "brutally difficult".

The former West Ham and Ajax striker has now provided the first update on his condition, posting an image of himself displaying a thumbs-up in hospital alongside the caption; "Good evening everyone, I wanted to inform you that the first step has been accomplished!

"I would like to thank @BVB and the medical team who have been exceptional with me. 

"A big thank you also to all the hospital caregivers for their support and kindness."

The Bundesliga giants' official Twitter account responded to the 28-year-old's post with another message of support, writing: "Nice to see you with a smile!

"We wish you a speedy recovery!"

Karim Adeyemi described Sebastien Haller's health scare as "a smack in the face" for Borussia Dortmund – and revealed why Jurgen Klopp influenced his move to the German giants.

Forwards Adeyemi and Haller have joined Dortmund as last season's Bundesliga runners-up look for a way to cope without Erling Haaland, who left for Manchester City.

However, Haller may be out for some time after medical checks this week discovered a testicular tumour. Haller was with his new club in Switzerland when he complained of feeling unwell at training on Monday, and the 28-year-old has since returned to Germany.

Ivory Coast striker Haller arrived on a four-year deal from Dutch champions Ajax, while Germany international Adeyemi has come to Dortmund from Salzburg.

According to Adeyemi, Dortmund have the resources to battle on without Haller.

"At this point once again all the best to Sebastien," Adeyemi said. "I think for all of us it was a smack in the face, but I don't think we have to replace anyone.

"We try to keep playing football and I don't know, maybe a different formation or someone else up front in attack would help as well. I think in the end we have the quality to play with another forward."

Dortmund, who face Spanish side Villarreal in a friendly on Friday, will be hoping Haller soon recovers and is able to show his best for the club. Haller was the Eredivisie's top scorer with 21 goals in 31 games last season, while netting 11 times in eight Champions League matches.

Only Robert Lewandowski (13) and Karim Benzema (15) scored more Champions League goals than Haller, who is returning to German football after previously playing for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Adeyemi has yet to play in the Bundesliga, having left Bayern Munich as a 16-year-old in 2018 to join Salzburg. Now 20, he recalled how he loved watching Dortmund when Klopp, now Liverpool's manager, was in charge of BVB.

Klopp was Dortmund's boss from 2008 to 2015, with the young Adeyemi dazzled by a team that twice won the Bundesliga and reached the 2013 Champions League final.

"As a child, I often looked at Dortmund and found the Klopp time very, very formative," Adeyemi said. "I think I also like the style of play very much. And yes, in the end I drew the line with my family and said that we want to go this way."

Last season, Adeyemi was joint top scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga with 19 goals, and second overall in goal involvements after adding five assists to that haul.

Frenkie de Jong reportedly has no interest in signing with Manchester United, instead preferring either Chelsea or Bayern Munich if he is to leave Barcelona.

De Jong has been at the centre of Barcelona's transfer period, with widespread belief that the club must sell the 25-year-old to balance their books.

The Netherlands international has racked up 140 club appearances for Barcelona in his three seasons since arriving from Ajax, and he is determined to have a say in where he spends the next few years of his prime.

TOP STORY – DE JONG PREFERS CHELSEA, BAYERN OVER OLD TRAFFORD MOVE

In an explosive report from Spanish publication Sport, it says De Jong "does not like the city of Manchester or the functioning of United", with claims he feels the club has displayed "erratic behaviour" in recent years.

It also makes clear that he values Champions League football greatly at this point in his career, and any move away from the Spanish giants would need to land him at a club on equal footing.

According to the report, Chelsea are waiting for De Jong to officially decline United's approach before presenting a formal offer, but there is interest. 

Ultimately, he would prefer to stay at Barcelona, and if the club cannot clear up the issue of his significant unpaid wages, he may get his way.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea have set their sights on 20-year-old RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, with The Sun declaring him the Blues' top target to replace Cesar Azpilicueta.

– Sky Sports Germany is reporting Borussia Dortmund are weighing up the potential signing of 35-year-old Luis Suarez in the wake of news that Sebastien Haller will be out indefinitely after the discovery of a testicular tumour.

– West Ham remain engaged with Chelsea as they try to pry away 20-year-old Albanian striker Armando Broja, who Thomas Tuchel is said to be a fan of.

– With fullback Marc Cucurella likely heading to Manchester City, Brighton are considering a loan move for Arsenal's Nuno Tavares to plug the hole, according to O Jogo.

– The Guardian claims Jesse Lingard is in advanced talks to join Nottingham Forest, with the Daily Mail adding they have offered £200,000 to try and fend off interest from West Ham.

Niklas Sule has offered his support to Borussia Dortmund team-mate Sebastien Haller after he discovered a testicular tumour, insisting on-pitch matters are "one hundred per cent in the background" while he recovers.

Haller, a new signing at Dortmund, was forced to leave the club's pre-season training camp in Switzerland after feeling unwell on Monday, with subsequent tests revealing the tumour.

Dortmund boss Edin Terzic then revealed the striker had returned to Germany for further tests, describing the news as "brutally difficult".

Haller's former Ajax and Utrecht coach Erik ten Hag was among those to wish the Ivory Coast international a speedy recovery yesterday, sentiments which have now been echoed by fellow Dortmund new boy Sule.

"The sporting aspect is one hundred per cent in the background," the defender told Dortmund's media channels. "It is the man Sebastien Haller that we miss. 

"We wish him all the best, that he gets well again quickly and a lot of strength for the time that will come now. 

"How he handled the news was very positive. As a team, we wanted to give him a small sign that we were with him. I wish that he will get well very soon."

Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic disclosed that players were only informed of Sebastien Haller's tumour after their loss to Valencia.

Dortmund played their first foreign opponent in preparations for the upcoming season on Monday, with a Goncalo Guedes brace helping Valencia to a 3-1 win in Austria.

It was overshadowed by news of Haller's diagnosis of a testicular tumour, however, ruling him out indefinitely, after the 28-year-old travelled back to Dortmund for medical tests over the weekend and missed the game.

Terzic admitted it was hard to focus on the task at hand upon his discovery of the news as the team prepared to depart for the match, but wished the Ivory Coast international a speedy recovery.

"The week went very well until yesterday," Terzic said on Tuesday. "The message from Sebastien Haller shocked us. Personally, I found out about half an hour before leaving for the game.

"Accordingly, it wasn't easy for us to think about tactics, pressing and passing again. We still tried to make it as professional as possible. We didn't talk to the team about it before the game, but informed the team afterwards.

"Sebastien Haller left us yesterday and traveled to Germany for further investigations. We keep our fingers crossed for Sebastien and the entire Haller family that he will recover as soon as possible."

Initially taking over from Lucien Favre in December 2020, Terzic was reappointed as the first team coach on a permanent basis in the off-season following Marco Rose's departure.

The 39-year-old revealed he has experienced a smoother transition into the role as Dortmund boss, despite Haller's recent diagnosis.

While he believes it will take time for his BVB side to be truly ready for the season ahead, the added time to work on patterns of play has made his job less chaotic.

"The biggest difference is that when I first became head coach, I was told on a Sunday morning and we had an away game on Tuesday night," Terzic said.

"You couldn't prepare many things and decided a lot quickly and intuitively. We now have weeks of advance notice to plan this preparation and the match opponents, to shape the group and to promote the integration of the newcomers. That's a key difference.

"The preparations won't be finished next Friday either, but it will still take some time before we're where we want to be at the end and we're showing consistently good football with a lot of automatisms. It will still take a little time, but we are on the right track."