Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery nears return after long spell on sidelines
Thursday 12 November 2015 12:07, UK
Franck Ribery says he is close to returning for Bayern Munich after the "most difficult time" of his career.
The 32-year-old has been sidelined since March due to an ankle problem suffered against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
While no specific date has been put on a return to action, he believes once fit he will soon be back to his best.
"It's been the most difficult time of my career," he told Kicker magazine. "It's tough when you don't know when and how things are going to move on, but no worries - I'll be my old self again soon.
"I'm feeling good. I do still feel my ankle a little, but when I am warm, I don't feel anything anymore."
Ribery has only recently returned to light training and insists he will not consider playing again until he is fully recovered from the long lay-off.
"My body's first got to get used to the exertions," said the Frenchman. "Since I was wearing a plaster cast, I lost a lot of muscle and it was a long break.
"You have to take things slowly. It would be nice to be back (in full training) in two or three weeks, to get that feeling of being part of a group back, to laugh with the lads and have fun - I've missed all that."
