Aberdeen's Jeppe Okkels discusses the strange injury that impacted his career.
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In a surprising revelation, Jeppe Okkels, the talented winger for Aberdeen, has opened up about a peculiar injury that significantly impacted his time at Utrecht in the Netherlands. The 25-year-old Danish player, who previously thrived under the guidance of Aberdeen’s manager Jimmy Thelin at Elfsborg, found himself sidelined due to an incident that many would find hard to believe.
From Utrecht to Preston North End
Okkels made the move to Utrecht in January 2024 after a successful stint at Elfsborg, where he scored 29 goals in 118 matches. However, his time in the Netherlands took an unexpected turn when he suffered a “really weird” injury while cycling.
The injury, which involved twisting a testicle, was so severe that he had to call emergency services for assistance.
“It’s not something you usually hear a player have, but I twisted one testicle,” Okkels explained. Following the incident, he underwent surgery and faced a lengthy recovery process that kept him off the pitch for nearly two months. This unfortunate event hindered his performance at Utrecht, where he managed to make only five appearances before being sold to Preston North End.
A fresh start at Aberdeen
In a twist of fate, Thelin brought Okkels back into his fold by securing him on loan from Preston during the January transfer window. The loan agreement includes an option for Aberdeen to make the move permanent, depending on Okkels’ performance for the remainder of the season. “I just want to take one game at a time and enjoy my football with a good group of lads,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to regain his form and contribute to the team.
Since joining Aberdeen, Okkels has started three Premiership games, including a debut against Hearts. His performance has shown promise, especially during a recent match against St Mirren, where he felt he showcased his abilities effectively. “I was pleased with the way I played last weekend. I think it was my best game so far since I came here,” he reflected.
Overcoming challenges and focusing on the future
Despite the challenges he faced, including the transition between clubs and adapting to new coaching styles, Okkels remains optimistic about his future. He acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster that comes with football, stating, “Football is always about emotions, so I just want to enjoy myself again.” His focus now is on taking things step by step, starting with the upcoming match against Hibernian.
As Okkels continues to navigate the ups and downs of his career, his determination to overcome adversity and contribute to his team is evident. With the support of his teammates and the opportunity to play under Thelin once more, he is poised to make a significant impact at Aberdeen.
