Holger Badstuber was greeted with a round of applause from his Bayern Munich teammates after returning to team training 17 months after suffering an ACL tear.#INSERT type:image caption:Holger Badstuber earned 30 international caps for Germany before his long-term injury layoff. END#
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When the Germany international picked up the injury in early December 2012, he had hoped to return for the final games of the 2012-2013 season. But while working on his rehabilitation, he was hit by a major setback with another ACL tear in May 2013.
Badstuber began individual training last December, and on Thursday, the 25-year old returned to team training as he edges closer to a comeback for next season.
The 25-year-old centre-back took part in passing and shooting practice for some 45 minutes, and then continued with his individual training programme.
"It was a very good moment and a fantastic feeling. It's a great day for me personally," Badstuber told the club's official website.
After 17 months out injured, @Badstuber rejoined team training today. pic.twitter.com/5pkQ22sujh
- FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) May 1, 2014
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola commented on Badstuber's comeback during his news conference on Friday, saying: "I am very satisfied for him. I don't really know him. But I have been told by everyone that he is a great guy.
"I don't want to put any pressure on him. He has been injured for two years. Stay calm, stay calm.
"In two, three months he will have more confidence in him and his knee, and his game. We all know how important he is for us. It is a process."
Badstuber has made 101 appearances for Bayern after coming through the club's youth ranks, and has 30 international caps for Germany.