Ilkay Gundogan is closing in on a return to action for Borussia Dortmund, 409 days after suffering his first injury.

    The Germany international has been out of action for Dortmund since the 4-0 in over Augsburg in August 2013, missing last season and the World Cup for his country.

    But, after edging closer to the medical green light – Gundogan is confident that he can return within a few weeks.

    “I feel that I’m edging ever-closer to my former self,” Gundogan said to Kicker. “My comeback isn’t too far away any more. I could be back after the international break.

    “I have already pencilled out the entire day and I will thoroughly enjoy my comeback. I felt like a 90-year-old when I had just picked up the injury.

    “I never considered the option that I could be forced to retire from football, but it was obviously the worst experience of my career.”

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