AMSTERDAM – Hoffenheim are expecting nicked left back Fabian Johnson to return to full training by midweek, news sure to calm the nerves of many US national team observers.

The 25-year-old missed out on Hoffenheim's weekend win at Greuther Fürth after suffering a hip knock in training late last week, stoking fears that he would be added to Jurgen Klinsmann's lengthy injury list ahead of two CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers later this month.

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However, it now appears Johnson could feature in the club's final match before the international break, Saturday's visit from Mainz 05.

"He is supposed to be back in team training on Wednesday, at the latest, or maybe even Tuesday," Hoffenheimn press officer Holger Trump told MLSsoccer.com. "He has a small muscular problem in his hip, but it's nothing spectacular."

Hoffenheim's victory not only halted a four-game losing skid, it also pulled them to within two points of the survival playoff spot currently held by Michael Parkhurst's Augsburg.