Key midfielder Makoto Hasebe returned to full training with FC Nurnberg this week.
The Japan national team captain tore his meniscus during der Club's midseason training camp in Spain which has forced him to miss their past four Bundesliga outings.
During that time, Gertjan Verbeek's side have won on three occasions - all their victories thus far this season - but the imminent return of Hasebe will only be a boost to the in-form side.
30-year old Hasebe was back with the Nurnberg squad for training on Wednesday as the Franconian club, sitting 14th on the German top flight, prepare to host bottom-placed Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday.
However, the match might come too quickly for Hasebe who has made 13 league appearances since his September move from Wolfsburg. His last outing for Nurnberg was in the 0-0 draw with Schalke on December 21.
