Just a few weeks following his horror injury against SV Sandhausen, Özkan Yildirim is already back on his feet again.

After fracturing his femur, tearing his meniscus and partially tearing his ACL, the attacking midfielder is already making huge strides towards a comeback.

It was a tough start on his 2. Bundesliga debut for Fortuna Düsseldorf but he is staying positive.

Step by step

"I feel really good. I am making progress. The crutches that I have used in the last few weeks for relief can be set aside," he told Fortuna's official club website.

Yildirim is no stranger to injuries, with knee, groin, hip and another broken leg hindering his attempts to get regular playing time.

This does, perhaps, help him in a way as the 23-year-old is accustomed to overcoming the mental and physical pain, "I have no time plan and I'm not putting pressure on myself." He added: "We've been assessing the injury on a regular basis, and the last time it was very positive. I hope that it continues."

Yildirim credits his support circle

"Naturally, at first, one is sad that the next while must be spent in the gym but I am optimistic that things will get better step-by-step with the quick improvement already," he said.

Even with the disappointment of the injury so early on in his Fortuna career, Yildrim's focus was on the collective. "I am really, really pleased that the team has got off to such a good start," the youngster explained. "My big wish is that they continue on this exact path, and whenever I return it is into a well-functioning team."

By the sounds of things, the Turkish German is very happy with his decision to move to the ESPRIT Arena, "I am a fighter, my family gives me a lot of strength. Also, the "Fortuna family" is a massive help to me."

After ripping up trees in Werder Bremen's youth team and being unable to show that talent due to injury woes, he is pleased for the on-going support, "The amount of encouragement and well-wishes - despite being in the team for just a few months - that I've got left a real impression on me. For this support, I am very, thankful."

Quotes via Fortuna Düsseldorf