Bayern Munich have received a boost with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returning to training for the first time since breaking his metatarsal during the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in April.
Neuer, 31, has not played since the quarterfinal second-leg defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu almost four months ago.
However, the Bayern and Germany captain said on Monday that he is now "running at 100 percent," before adding he is "hoping to return to the team as soon as possible."
The Bavarians begin their quest for a sixth consecutive Bundesliga title with a home game against Bayer Leverkusen on Aug. 18. Neuer said earlier this month he expects to return for the game, a sentiment also echoed by boss Carlo Ancelotti during the 12-day preseason tour of China and Singapore.
On Wednesday, Neuer carried out a light 20-minute session under the supervision of Bayern goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic and wrote on his Instagram page: "It feels so good to be back on the pitch."
Understudy Sven Ulreich, who recently recovered from an elbow injury, deputised for Neuer in the 3-0 Audi Cup defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday, while third-choice Christian Fruchtl played in Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Napoli, as Bayern finished last in their own preseason tournament.
Former Stuttgart keeper Ulreich is expected to play in Saturday's German Super Cup game at Borussia Dortmund with the first domestic trophy of the campaign up for grabs.