Hummels close to Dortmund return

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is on course to make his long-awaited return from injury at Eintracht Braunschweig next week.

The influential centre-back has been sidelined since sustaining an ankle injury in Germany’s friendly victory over England at Wembley in November.

Hummels is back in training, but will not be fit for Dortmund’s Bundesliga clash with Augsburg on Saturday.

The 25-year-old targeted the trip to Braunschweig next Friday for his comeback and Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has revealed he is on course to feature in that match.

“Hummels is completely symptom free and has worked well.” Klopp said on Thursday.

Ilkay Gundogan is another player who has been sorely missed by Dortmund.

The 23-year-old has spent over five months on the sidelines due to a back injury and Klopp also confirmed the midfielder is close to returning.

Dortmund slipped to fourth in the table before the mid-season break and Klopp wants Sigan Iduna Park to become a fortress again to help his side secure a top-three finish.

“For us it is important that we qualify directly for the Champions League.” he said.

“I want nobody to come to Dortmund and believe that they can get the three points.”