Ribery on course for Champions League

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery is on course to play in the Champions League later this month and has impressed coach Jurgen Klinsmann with his “brutal” rehab work following ankle surgery.

French star Ribery tore ankle ligaments playing for France in the group stage defeat at the hands of Italy during Euro 2008 last June, but resumed full training with the Bayern squad on Monday.

The 25-year-old hopes to be back in first-team action before Bayern's Champions League clash with Lyon at the end of the month as the German giants open their campaign against Steaua Bucherest next Wednesday in Romania.

“It's all going very well for him, and we're extremely happy with his progress,” said Klinsmann.

“Franck resumed full training at the start of the week.

“The point at which he makes a full comeback now depends on how he feels.

“He's been really brutal on himself in rehab training recently, which is often more rigorous and demanding than training with the group.

“We'll bring him back step by step, so he acclimatises to the movements we make as a team nowadays.”

But Klinsmann is pleased there have been no problems with Ribery's damaged ankle.

“We've been very careful to avoid anything which might provoke a reaction in the ligament which was surgically repaired, but it's now completely healed, that's what the doctors have guaranteed,” said Klinsmann.

“It's now all about him recovering his rhythm and confidence, the belief you need for one-on-one situations for example.”