Barbell is back. Start conservative at 65% e1RM. Build confidence in the knee.
If any squat rep causes discomfort, reduce depth or switch to goblet squat. No ego loading. The deficit handles fat loss. Your job is to keep muscle.
Mechanical load day: full ROM, controlled tempo. 6/6 progression: maintain or beat weights across all 6 sessions. On a cut, holding weight IS progress.