American-born Ghanaian defender Chris Odoi-Atsem has returned to MLS side DC United after a long battle with cancer.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with the dreaded Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the middle of last year and for four straight months, he was off the field seeking treatment.

He has now been passed fit as he enters the final stage of the treatment and he will be able to play football again.

The versatile defender is scheduled to join his colleagues in camp on February 13 as they start the second phase of preparations for the impending 2019 MLS season and DC United boss Olsen says he cannot wait for his come back.

“We are super-excited he is moving in the right direction,” United Coach Ben Olsen stressed. “I can’t wait to see him playing again with his teammates.”

Odoi-Atsem made only ten appearances in the MLS for DC United last season.