Ali Gholizadeh has returned to Poznan to begin the second stage of his rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Lech Poznan confirmed the player's progress in an official club statement released this week.
The midfielder underwent the procedure in Iran three months ago after getting injured in a match against Motor Lublin in early May. Gholizadeh played just over fifteen minutes before being forced off. His return to action is currently estimated for the beginning of the spring round of the PKO BP Ekstraklasa.
What does the rehabilitation plan involve?
Ali Gholizadeh is now back in Poznan and starting the next phase of his recovery. The initial treatment and early rehab took place in his home country. "It has been three months since the operation I underwent in Iran, and I am grateful to the club for that, because thanks to it I could spend a lot of time with my family while working," the player said in the report by Lech Poznan.
The plan involves continuing specialised work in Poland, with a later stage of the process including a rehabilitation camp in Portugal. This is standard practice for serious ligament injuries, requiring patience and systematic work under specialist supervision. The current state of the Lech squad can be followed on the squad page.
When did he last play and what are his stats?
Gholizadeh's last appearance for Lech was in the aforementioned match against Motor Lublin. For the Iranian playmaker, it was an unlucky return after previous fitness issues. In total, wearing the Kolejorz shirt, he has scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists. His creativity and technical skills are a noticeable miss in the team's attacking actions.
Before the injury, he was a key player in the offensive setup of the Polish champions. His absence has coincided with a very strong start for Lech in the current campaign. The team from Bułgarska Street leads the Ekstraklasa table with 13 points from five matches, recording four wins and one draw. Detailed team stats confirm this powerful opening.
How did his stadium visit go?
During his time off the pitch, Gholizadeh maintained contact with the fans. Before one of the recent home games, against Jagiellonia Białystok at Bułgarska, he visited the Family Sector. "I missed everyone very much. I remember how much the fans did for me and the whole team, so after a long time it was important for me to meet again, give high-fives and take some photos together," the player admitted.
This gesture was well received by the fan community, who have been waiting for months for the return of their favourite. Gholizadeh's two-year spell in Poznan has been filled with brilliant plays and important goals that helped the club win the Polish championship.
What is the context of his return regarding Lech's form?
Gholizadeh's return to group training will be a significant boost for the coaching staff, especially ahead of the important part of the season. Lech Poznan currently holds a one-point lead over Legia Warszawa and has the best defence in the league, having conceded only four goals. The attack is also functioning well, with ten goals scored.
The next test for the league leaders will be an away match against Wisła Płock scheduled for 17 December 2026. The opponent currently sits in sixteenth place, which doesn't change the fact that every match in the Ekstraklasa is a challenge. The current standings show the title race is very tight. The team must maintain its high form, and the return of a key player like Gholizadeh could be a decisive factor in the spring run-in. Lech's next fixture is an away match against Wisła Płock on 17 December.
