The Dutchman is frustrated with being out injured but thinks he is nearing a return for Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben claims he’s felt “physically disabled” during his current spell on the sidelines.
The Netherlands international tore an abdominal muscle in March and was ruled out for several weeks with the injury.
Although Robben believes he is nearing a return for Pep Guardiola’s side, who look set to wrap up the Bundesliga title in the next month, he has vented his frustration at not being able to play a part in Bayern’s end-of-season efforts.
“You always want to be on the pitch to help your team, but you can only watch them when you’re injured,” he told Bild. “That is the worst situation for a footballer.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career, but this is something new – I’ve never had something like this before. With this kind of an injury, you’re physically disabled.
“In everyday life, there’s so much you do that requires a working abdominal muscle. You’re not able to get up, sit down or go going to toilet – you’re always in pain.
“But now, the pains are easing – today I can laugh again. The healing process is going as planned. I can ride a bicycle and, in a few days, I hope that I can go running a little bit.
“I’m working hard for my comeback, though nobody can say when that will be. Personally, I hope that my comeback will be in the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Borussia Dortmund on April 28.”
Robben will be watching from the stands when Bayern travel to Porto for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.