Samuel Inkoom's summer holidays were cut short as he returned to help club, Basel open their domestic campaign with a win on Tuesday over FC Zürich.
The league in Switzerland kicked-off on Saturday as Inkoom was called back last Friday and featured in the first game of the new season for the titleholders in their 3-2 victory against Zürich.
The Ghana defender was on an extended holiday following his participation at the World Cup finals in South Africa but had to end it to return to his club.
Inkoom, who helped Basel to the Super League title last term played the entire match for Thorsten Fink's side.