Maik Nawrocki stepped up his return from injury in a bounce game during the international break.
The Celtic defender - on loan at Hannover 96 - had been out with a muscle injury and is yet to make his competitive debut in Germany.
However, Nawrocki was involved in a bounce game earlier this month to mark the next step in his return to action.
So starten wir gegen den @HSV! 🙌 ➡️ Zum Livestream: https://t.co/Q0vdSYfJUy#HSVH96 #H96 #NiemalsAllein ⚫️⚪️💚 pic.twitter.com/SPfsvaByM1
— Hannover 96 (@Hannover96) September 4, 2025
The 24-year-old played 45 minutes against Hamburger SV in a 3-1 win for Hannover.
Nawrocki started for his side but was withdrawn at the interval and replaced by Maurice Neubauer for the second half.
Manager Christian Titz said of the performance: "The way we played from the start was very positive—both against and with the ball.
"Defensively, we were also solid. The guys who had a bit less playing time recently played with great commitment.
"I liked everyone who played today. We deserved to win today."
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Nawrocki has been backed to succeed in Germany and even make a permanent transfer move to Hannover.
Udinese boss Kosta Runjaic, who managed Nawrocki at Legia Warsaw, reckons the defender will prove himself.
"Perhaps his move to Celtic came a bit too early for him," he said.
"But I trust him to make a big impression in the second division of German football.
"He is a very good guy, calm on the ball and he is very technically adept, he has a good passing game and is powerful in the air.
"I would assume he has matured a lot at Celtic in Scottish football.
"He can play in a back four or a back three.
"He has potential and I would expect Hannover to exercise their purchase option in a year."
