DEMBA BA has begun his painful rehab by straightening his leg for the first time since it snapped in two during a Chinese Super League game for Shanghai Shenhua two weeks ago.
Top surgeon Olivier Bringer was flown over from France just to operate on the forward in an attempt to save his career.
Bringer announced the surgery had been a success in a press conference immediately out of the theatre – and now Ba has posted a clip of him doing exercises for the first time.
Specialists believe the surgery was a success and are confident Ba can make a full recovery and return to playing in a year.
For now, though, the Senegal star has to take it slow by allowing the bone to knit properly and gradually building up the muscles again.
The former Chelsea and West Ham striker also thanked thousands of well-wishers on his return home after he went under the surgeon knife.
Ba, 31, took to Instagram to post words as upbeat as his relaxed smile from a sofa. He wrote;
“Thanks once again to every single one of you guys in every corner of the world .
“I feel blessed alhamdulillah. #shanghai #shenhua #narakumfijannah#bigblackkartal #peace #rs And i finally cut my hairs and took a PROPER shower.”
Ba’s positive response typifies a spirit that drew messages of encouragement from fellow players and the public.
Be in good health demba ba