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United States' Fabian Johnson set to return to Monchengladbach training

U.S. international Fabian Johnson is set to return to full training with Borussia Monchengladbach ahead of his country's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Johnson, 29, missed Gladbach's victory over local rivals Cologne last weekend with back problems and has not trained with the team since Aug. 17.

However, speaking at a news conference ahead of the weekend match at Augsburg, Gladbach coach Dieter Hecking said: "Fabian should be back in training today. He would then be an option for the matchday squad."

Munich-born Johnson has won 56 caps for the U.S. since making his debut under former coach Jurgen Klinsmann in November 2011.

Last month, he said he could retire from international football after the World Cup, which he said was "a major goal."

The United States currently hold the third and final automatic CONCACAF qualifying spot, one point ahead of Panama, and play Costa Rica on Sept. 1.