Is this Bayern Munich World Cup star close to returning from injury?

This is nothing close to informed speculation, but it is fun speculation nonetheless. We may be seeing the return of Bastian Schweinsteiger to the field in the coming weeks. That sound you hear is me dancing with joy.

Bild reports that Schweinsteiger has purchased an unusually large number of tickets for friends and family for the November 22 match against Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena. Their speculation is that this is because he wants to celebrate his comeback with them. The match is the first one after the international break (Yes, we have another one of those coming.), so if a return is imminent, there's no need to rush him back for the match with Eintracht Frankfurt next weekend. You'll remember that we brought you the video of Schweinsteiger training with the ball at his feet, so it was only a matter of time before a return to the field actually took place.

Schweinsteiger has been out for months now with a chronic patella tendon problem. While Bayern have gotten along quite well without him to this point, nobody doubts that his return to fitness would be a huge boon for the club on and off the field. Schweinsteiger is the emotional engine that moves this team. There is no disputing that.

This projected return, if it happens, is three weeks away. Let the excitement build.