Leipzig's Henrichs focused on 'small goals' in return from serious injury

Henrichs, 28, had never had a major injury in his career until he heard a "big bang, a massive noise" in his calf above the clamour of a 75,000-strong crowd at Munich's Allianz Arena. Henrichs fell to the turf and was carried off, unlikely to play again for the best part of a year.

Speaking with AFP and other media, the former Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco player said he was focused on the next achievable step, even with the 2026 World Cup in North America on the horizon.

"Especially through the rehab, one of the most important things is to set goals. Not goals like the World Cup - this is the major goal, long-term - but you have to set small goals. A small goal was starting the rehab. Then the goal was to get rid of the boot. My next goal is to get rid of the crutches.

"You have to set yourself these kind of goals, because - especially in the first three months - you're not living a normal life. I'm dependent on my girlfriend. She has to drive me around, help me eat - it's not possible to walk with your crutches and carry a plate.

"Obviously, the long-term goal is to be back on the pitch - and especially to be a part of the World Cup team."

'Achilles besties'

After hovering on the fringes of the Germany side despite making his debut in 2016, Henrichs has re-established himself in the national team since the World Cup in Qatar.

The 19-time capped Germany player said he was inspired by other athletes who had the same injury, including the late Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, while reaching out to several contemporaries. 

Bryant famously stayed on the court to make both free throws after tearing his Achilles in an NBA game in 2013. "I think it's important not to compare, because when I saw he just made his free-throws, I felt not so strong, let's say it like that," said Henrichs.

"I spoke to (Atletico Madrid's Axel) Witsel and to (France and Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel) Kimpembe, asking what happened, what I should look for. When Martin Terrier from Leverkusen ruptured his Achilles, I got goosebumps directly.

"It was even harder to watch than my own injury. But I texted him directly, we update each other, compare our scars - we're kind of Achilles besties now."

During his recovery, Henrichs -- a Germany captain at lower age levels who made his professional debut at 18 - has been working on a documentary, while spending some rare time with friends and family. 

"Last month was my birthday. It was the first birthday in years that I spent with my family. I was able to spend the birthday not with football, but with my friends, with my family."