Schweinsteiger nearing Bayern return

Bayern Munich have been boosted by the news Bastian Schweinsteiger should be ready to return to action before Christmas.

The 27-year-old has been on the sidelines since breaking his collarbone in the Champions League victory over Napoli at the Allianz Arena on November 1.

However, Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger has announced that Schweinsteiger could make his return in either the Bundesliga clash with Cologne on December 16 or the DFB Pokal match against Bochum four days later.

“We have great hope that Bastian can play again before Christmas,” Nerlinger told Bild. “It is in the realm of possibility that he plays in the last two games.”

Schweinsteiger made his return to training on Friday but avoided all tackles and physical contact.

“I’m doing very well,” Schweinsteiger said. “But I do not want to take any risks – this week we will take more X-rays.”

The Bavarians reclaimed top spot in the Bundesliga with an emphatic 4-1 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday.