Global Handball Injury Desk: Lichtlein and Remili Headline Summer Returns as Kos Begins Hand Rehab

Pre-season preparation in elite European handball is a grueling crucible, testing the physical limits of athletes before the first competitive whistle even blows. As clubs gear up for the expanded 2026/27 EHF Champions League and demanding domestic campaigns, medical departments are working tirelessly to transition injured stars from the treatment table back to the court. The summer months are critical for rehabilitation, offering a rare window where players can focus entirely on recovery without the pressure of an impending weekend fixture.[7]

The narrative of handball injuries is shifting significantly across the continent. Historically, a severe fracture or ligament tear meant prolonged isolation, a devastating loss of fitness, and a highly uncertain return to peak performance. Today, a collaborative approach blending orthopedic surgery, localized physical therapy, and immediate active conditioning is allowing players to return faster and more resilient than before. Clubs are investing heavily in sports science, recognizing that a proactive rehabilitation strategy is the best defense against the grueling demands of the modern game.[6][7]

In Belgrade, Partizan’s highly anticipated summer signing, Milos Kos, is experiencing this modern protocol firsthand. The Serbian international left back, who arrived from German club Erlangen on a two-year contract, suffered a fracture to the third metacarpal of his right hand during late July training sessions. The injury occurred just as the squad was ramping up its tactical preparations in Belgrade and Ub, temporarily halting the integration of one of their most important offensive acquisitions of the off-season. Despite the setback, the club remains fully committed to his long-term role within the squad.[1]

The injury directly affects Kos's throwing hand—the third metacarpal absorbs immense force during gripping, passing, and the powerful distance shots he is known for. However, the prognosis is highly optimistic. Medical staff expect a recovery period of six to eight weeks, allowing the bone to heal fully before he resumes court contact. While he will miss the opening Regional League matches in late August, Kos is slated to make a full-strength debut in the autumn, bringing his trademark firepower to Partizan's backcourt.[1]

For athletes like Kos, the weeks spent in a cast are no longer idle. Sports medicine experts emphasize that when a localized injury occurs, players immediately begin modified physical conditioning to prevent systemic detraining. Research indicates that highly trained athletes can lose up to 14 percent of their cardiovascular capacity after just a few weeks of total rest. By maintaining rigorous lower-body strength work and aerobic conditioning, Kos will ensure that his legs and lungs are match-ready the moment his hand is cleared for action.[1][6]

In Germany, Füchse Berlin’s Nils Lichtlein stands as a prime example of overcoming physical adversity through perseverance and technological intervention. Lichtlein faced a daunting start to 2026 when a forefoot injury sustained during a training session in Hannover threatened his participation in the European Championship. The setback was particularly frustrating given his excellent form and his growing importance as a left-handed playmaker in the German national team's backcourt rotation alongside stars like Juri Knorr. Fortunately, the injury was managed carefully, allowing him to remain with the squad and eventually return to the fold.[3]

That January scare followed a history of severe ankle trauma; in late 2021, Lichtlein tore all three outer ligaments and the inner ligament of his upper ankle, requiring multiple surgeries and nearly a year of grueling rehabilitation. The psychological toll of such a prolonged absence often rivals the physical pain, as athletes must rebuild their confidence to cut, jump, and pivot at full speed without fear of a catastrophic recurrence. Re-entering the chaotic, high-contact environment of the Bundesliga requires immense mental fortitude and absolute trust in one's own body.[4]

Today, Lichtlein is fully integrated into Füchse Berlin’s pre-season, having adopted advanced ankle-protection technology that triggers faster than the body’s natural reflexes to prevent inversion sprains. His successful return to elite play—and his ability to stay on the court—highlights how preventative gear is becoming as crucial as post-injury rehab in extending professional careers. By combining targeted physical therapy with innovative biomechanical support, Lichtlein has fortified his lower body against the sport's inherent risks, ensuring he remains a vital asset for both his club and country.[4][7]

Meanwhile, Hungarian powerhouse One Veszprém HC is welcoming back crucial firepower ahead of their Champions League campaign. French international right back Nedim Remili suffered a heartbreaking setback in January when an acute thigh and calf injury forced him to withdraw from the EHF EURO just days before throw-off. The timing of the injury was devastating, robbing the French squad of one of their most experienced and dynamic offensive orchestrators on the eve of a major international tournament. Remili was forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates navigated the grueling European bracket without his signature playmaking.[2]

However, after months of dedicated rehabilitation and careful load management, Remili has successfully navigated his recovery milestones. He is now preparing to lead Veszprém’s backcourt in the upcoming season, bringing fresh legs and renewed motivation to a squad hungry for European glory. His return provides a massive tactical boost for the Hungarian champions, restoring their depth and versatility as they prepare to face the continent's elite defenses. The medical staff's patience in allowing the muscle tissue to heal completely has paid dividends, ensuring that Remili returns at peak explosiveness.[2][7]

Veszprém is also carefully managing the return of center back Luka Cindrić, who sustained an injury during the tense Champions League quarter-final clash against Füchse Berlin in May. The club’s medical team is utilizing the extended summer break to ensure Cindrić regains his explosive first step, a vital component of his offensive game. The meticulous attention given to his recovery underscores the club's commitment to long-term player health over short-term availability. With the Champions League expanding to 24 teams, the physical demands on central playmakers will be higher than ever, making a fully fit Cindrić absolutely essential for Veszprém's title aspirations.[5][7]

The overarching theme across these European camps is one of cautious optimism and scientific precision. The "no pain, no gain" mentality of past decades has been firmly replaced by data-driven load management, objective functional testing, and holistic player welfare. Clubs understand that rushing a player back prematurely often leads to compounding injuries, whereas a structured, evidence-based return-to-play protocol extends careers and maximizes on-court impact. This evolution in sports medicine is fundamentally changing how the sport operates, protecting the incredible athletes who make elite handball so captivating.[6][7]

As the first competitive fixtures of the 2026/27 season loom on the horizon, the successful rehabilitations of Lichtlein and Remili, alongside the targeted recovery of Kos, serve as uplifting reminders of the resilience inherent in the sport. For fans, the sight of these athletes returning to the resin-stained courts is a victory in itself—a testament to the unseen hours of sweat, science, and sheer willpower that happen far away from the arena lights. Their triumphant returns not only elevate the quality of play but also inspire the next generation of players facing their own physical setbacks.[7]