Lucas Hernandez was back in Bayern Munich training on Monday for the first time since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the World Cup.
The versatile defender suffered the injury early on in France’s Qatar 2022 opener against Australia in November.
He went down clutching his right knee after being turned by Matthew Leckie in the build-up to the Socceroos’ opening goal.
France subsequently confirmed he ruptured his ACL, leading to fears that Hernandez’s season – not just his World Cup – was over.
But his chances of being involved in Bayern’s run-in have improved significantly after the club confirmed he was once again training with the ball on Monday.
Nevertheless, it would seem unlikely for Hernandez to be back in match contention during Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Manchester City, the first leg being on Tuesday and the second eight days later.
He should be able to assist Thomas Tuchel’s side in the final weeks of the Bundesliga season, however.
The defending champions are top of the table with seven matches to go but have only a two-point lead over Borussia Dortmund.