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.”