USMNT defender Sergino Dest makes official return for PSV after 11-month absence with ACL injury

U.S. men's national team defender Sergino Dest made his official return for PSV on Saturday after over 300 days on the sideline due to an ACL tear he suffered last spring. The 24-year-old substituted onto the pitch in the 69th minute in PSV's 2-1 victory over SC Heerenveen, logging 21 minutes, replacing fellow American Richard Ledezma.

Dest was introduced to a delightful applause from PSV fans at the Philips Stadium. He completed 100 percent of his nine pass attempts and completed two successful dribbles in the cameo.

PSV earned all three points via goals from Guus Til and Ismael Saibari, while fellow U.S. internationals Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman did not feature as the two remain sidelined through injury.

Dest's return to fitness comes at the perfect time for the Dutch club, as they prepare to close the season going head-to-head with Ajax in the race for the Eredivisie title.

PSV, with Saturday's win, sit on 55 points while Ajax are five points clear of them with a game in hand. The two clubs meet on March 30 in what will be a crucial title-deciding match, and Dest's return will only bolster their defense and attack as they prepare for a late surge up the table.

Come this summer, if healthy, he will have the opportunity to play his first match under Mauricio Pochettino at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Dutch side return to the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, where they will take on Premier League side Arsenal in Leg 2 of their series. The Gunners defeated PSV by a staggering six goals in a 7-1 victory in Leg 1.