As the team`s return to Continassa is just two weeks away, one of the most frequent questions is: when will Bremer return?
The scar on his knee is visible, but the improvements are even clearer. Gleison Bremer, given the importance of his recovery, can easily be considered among Juventus`s reinforcements for the upcoming season – almost like a new signing. He is a crucial, eagerly awaited player. His `non-season` last year didn`t help a Juventus defence that often looked lost. While Gatti emerged as a new leader, the more experienced Bremer was sidelined after just 6 minutes against Leipzig, tearing his ACL. The `what ifs` about how the season might have unfolded differently have persisted since early October, painting optimistic pictures. However, hypothetical discussions quickly gave way to the real work done in the gym, documented by Gleison himself, who kept his fans updated on every stage of his recovery.
The Recovery So Far
Bremer focused intensely on gym work, following a personalized, tailored program. This involved crucial muscle strengthening, constant knee monitoring, electrode stimulation, and cycling. Supported by his family (wife Deborah and daughter Agatha), faith, and strong motivation, he used various methods: fins for pool work to improve leg drive, an anti-gravity treadmill (NASA-inspired tech reducing impact by up to 80%) to run without risk, and a hypoxic mask during warm-ups to enhance breathing and stamina. These tools were all aimed at getting a vital Juventus player back. He attended the Club World Cup but didn`t play, returning from the USA with zero minutes but valuable training time, mixing solo and group sessions. Overseas, he continued to manage workloads, touched the ball, and had light contact, but no full matches yet. Before heading to the US, he trained with the Under 23s to reconnect with the ball. Putting in extra effort has always been part of his nature.
The Next Stages
Picture a slow-motion video: a step on the treadmill, sweat, tense muscles, lifting weights. Add a wince of pain, a focused gaze, then a smile signifying the worst is past. A hug for his wife, a kiss for his daughter, a thumbs-up: “I`m coming back.” Bremer`s recovery is progressing cautiously but optimistically. Workloads are increasing daily, and the defender is nearing the finish line. The darkest part of the tunnel is behind him; the light is there ahead, and in that gleam are two dates circled in red on the calendar: July 24th and August 10th. July 24th is when the team gathers at Continassa for pre-season under Tudor. August 10th is the first friendly, a significant test against Borussia Dortmund in Germany, concluding the Herzogenaurach camp. This match is the first major milestone for Bremer, a player Tudor needs as much as, if not more than, a new signing. At that point, it will be just two weeks before the league starts (Juve-Parma opens the season) and about the same time since official pre-season began. The hope is he`ll have shown such positive responses by then that his potential involvement can be considered. However, caution remains paramount to avoid any potential risk of re-injury. A Juventus side with Bremer makes all the difference in the world.
