Jerome Boateng hopes for Bayern Munich return before end of season

Jérôme Boateng is hoping to be fit in time to play a part in the end of season run-in and the European Championships in France. The Bayern Munich centre-back suffered a serious adductor muscle injury in Bayern's 2-1 win over Hamburg in the first game of the Rückrunde.

So, how is his recovery going? "I'm fine, I'm confident and satisfied with the progress. It's pretty hard," Boateng said. "I could do hardly anything for four weeks. Only lymph drainage sessions, slow walking and swimming. It's probably awkward to spend time with me at the moment."

Dealing with the first major injury of his career hasn't been easy for the world's best centerback, but he's focused on returning. "I am feeling positive, but first I want to get back on the pitch for Bayern this season and then of course I want to play in EURO 2016."

However, "Patience isn't one of my virtues," Boateng said, "but I have to be patient."

In addition to the absence of Boateng, Bayern are also dealing with the absences of Javi Martinez (knee) and Holger Badstuber (ankle). Luckily for the club, Medhi Benatia has returned to team training.