Niklas Süle returned to the training ground at Säbener Straße and punched the air with joy. The 24-year-old FC Bayern central defender was finally able to train again with the ball on Thursday morning for the first time since rupturing his cruciate in October 2019. "After more than four months, it feels great to be back on the ball again. It's really fantastic," said Süle looking forward to the next steps on his comeback trail.

Not even the inclement weather could spoil the atmosphere. "It could have snowed today or (Storm) Sabine could have returned, but I wouldn't have cared. I'm just happy to be training with the ball again and taking the next steps in my rehab." Süle on top form in training Working with fitness and rehab coach Simon Martinello, the Germany international completed a number of passing drills, dribbled round cones and juggled the ball with a broad grin on his face. "So far I haven't had any problems at all. I've made a lot of controlled movements with the ball, and next week we’ll gradually introduce directional changes with the ball as well," explained the FC Bayern number two.

Extra shift for Martínez and Hernández That wasn't the only good news for FCB supporters on Thursday. In addition to Süle, Javi Martínez and Lucas Hernández put in an extra shift on their day off. Martínez returned to the Bayern squad against Hoffenheim after a long injury lay-off, and Hernández missed the game against Schalke due to a slight ligament problem. Both could be an option for the next game against Augsburg.