The French winger has been out of action since March with an ankle problem but is desperately hoping to return to training on July 1
Bayern Munich ace Franck Ribery is praying that his injury nightmare will finally end next month.
The Frenchman has been out of action with a persistent ankle problem since March but is now hoping to return to full training on July 1.
“This has been a disaster,” Ribery told Bild of his injury lay-off. “I actually have everything that one can dream of in life but I am not free. I always think of my foot.
“I want to run, I want to work, I want to play. I have to train in order to be happy. I need to be fit and healthy on July 1, 100 per cent.
“Whether that happens or not, I do not know. But I’ll try anything.”
The 32-year-old winger’s mounting fitness problems – he also missed last year’s World Cup with a troublesome back complaint – has prompted speculation that Bayern will try to replace him this summer.
Indeed, Bayern have been linked with a number of young attacking talents, including Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling and Atletico Madrid ace Antoine Griezmann.
However, Ribery says he does not care if any fresh faces arrive at the Allianz Arena, claiming he is capable of taking on all-comers as long as he is healthy.
“That’s no problem at all,” he said of possible transfer reinforcements. “If I have no injury and I’m 100 per cent fit, then anyone can come who wants to.”