Egyptian forward Zidan made his long-awaited comeback in Dortmund’s 3-0 victory over Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv in the Europa League on Thursday after a seven-month injury layoff.

The 28-year-old, who also took part in Egypt’s 3-0 victory over Australia in a friendly game last month, started on the bench before being introduced five minutes past the hour mark, instead of the Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

He went close to finding the net with a low shot that was blocked by the Lviv keeper.

“That Mohamed Zidan made his comeback today was of course very nice,” Turkish midfielder Sahin, who played the full 90 minutes against Lviv, said on Dortmund’s official website on Friday.  “He fitted well into the team and of course he will help us improve”.

Zidan has been out of action since rupturing cruciate ligaments in his knee in a Bundesliga game between Dortmund and Hoffenheim last April.

He was a regular member of Dortmund’s starting line-up before picking up the injury but is likely to face a stiff challenge to regain his place.

With an array of attacking talent, including the in-form Kagawa, Dortmund made light of Zidan’s absence to make their best-ever Bundesliga start.

They top the league table with 37 points from 14 games, seven clear of second-placed and surprise package Mainz.