Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng hopes to return to action in mid-April following his groin injury.
Boateng, 27, has been sidelined since suffering the injury against Hamburg in Bayern's first league game of 2016 and there had been fears he could miss the rest of the season.
However, the Germany international said on ZDF that he hopes to be available again in the coming weeks.
"I hope that I'll be allowed to play again in mid-April," Boateng said, adding that he is at around 60-70 percent fitness at present. "I need to be patient."
Boateng has been one of the most impressive performers in Germany in recent seasons and his return would provide a boost to Bayern's chances of success in the Champions League this season.
However, the former Manchester City centre-back does not expect to be available to face Benfica in the quarterfinals, with the second leg taking place on April 13.
"I won't take any risks," he said.
The defender also reiterated that he can see himself as the Germany captain in the future.
"I've always said that it would be a great honour for me, but let's see for how long Basti [Schweinsteiger] continues his Germany career," he said.