Holger Badstuber is set to return to the Bayern Munich team in "two weeks," coach Carlo Ancelotti told kicker.
Badstuber, 27, has been struggling with injuries ever since tearing his anterior cruciate ligaments in December 2012. He has only made 25 competitive appearances for Bayern in nearly four years. His latest setback, a broken ankle, has ruled him out since mid-February.
The Germany international is now making another approach to return to the Bayern team and remain healthy for a longer period.
Earlier this month, he resumed training at the club's facilities a week prior to the beginning of preseason and he is now making steady progress towards his return to the pitch.
"He worked really well in the first week," Ancelotti said on Monday after the defender did not feature in the first match of preseason at Lippstadt. "I think he'll be ready in two weeks."
The defender, who will face fresh competition at the centre-back position in Mats Hummels, added that he will take all the time he needs and will not rush his comeback.
Badstuber said: "We've got seven weeks of preseason. You can perfectly clock them to leave it with a good feeling and full fitness."