Bayern Munich centre-back Holger Badstuber has returned to training after a lengthy injury nightmare.
The Germany international has not played for the Bundesliga champions since suffering a cruciate ligament tear in his knee against Borussia Dortmund in December 2012.
A recurrence of the same injury last May forced Badstuber into another stint on the sidelines, but there may be light at the end of the tunnel for the 25-year-old after he joined his team-mates for training on Thursday.
In a further boost for Pep Guardiola s side, forward Xherdan Shaqiri stepped up his recovery from a hamstring problem, and is close to a full return to training.
The 22-year-old is targeting a return in the DFB-Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund on May 17.
I hope I m ready for selection again in the cup final and can help the team there, he told the club s official website.
Bayern are looking for a swift response to their demoralising UEFA Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Tuesday, when they visit relegation-threatened Hamburg on Saturday.