Marco Russ is hopeful over a return. Alexander Scheuber/Bongarts/Getty Images

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Marco Russ says he is hoping to return to the squad in January, having been diagnosed with testicular cancer in May.

On Sunday, Russ made his first public appearance following tumour surgery in late May during Eintracht Frankfurt's season opener -- a 3-1 friendly win over Celta Vigo -- as he mixed with fans in Frankfurt.

Three months following his tumour diagnosis the defender was visibly affected by the illness and the chemotherapy, but vowed to return to Frankfurt's squad this season.

"I've felt well for two weeks now," Russ said, adding the latest blood tests had indicated that "everything is as it should be."

"In January, I want to take part in the winter training camp in Abu Dhabi," he added.

Russ was diagnosed with cancer only hours before his club's relegation/promotion playoff meeting with Nurnberg in mid-May.