Gotze not ready for 90 minutes

Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze has expressed his delight at his return from injury, but feels he is still not ready to play a full game.

Gotze, who joined last season’s German treble winners from Borussia Dortmund in July, has been limited to just five appearances for the Bavarians due to injury problems.

The 22-year-old made his comeback from an ankle injury – sustained in the UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea – in the 3-1 UEFA Champions League success over Manchester City on Wednesday, coming on as a late substitute as Pep Guardiola’s men cruised to victory.

However, the Germany international insisted that he is still far from full fitness and would not be able to perform for 90 minutes.

“I still don’t have the strength for 90 minutes,” he told Bild. “I’ve only been training for half the week. It was not so intensive.

“I hope there will be more and more minutes. It’s been nearly five months during which I’ve had no rhythm. I’m therefore delighted I can play again.”

Gotze will hope to continue his recovery when Bayern travel to the BayArena to face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder made 116 appearances during his time at Dortmund, scoring 31 goals.