Podolski set for training return

Bundesliga outfit Cologne are set to receive a boost, as star striker Lukas Podolski is poised for a return to training.

The 26-year-old has been missing since January due to an ankle injury, but is expected to resume exercises with the club on Tuesday.

However, coach Stale Solbakken believes Podolski will not be fully fit to play this weekend, when Leverkusen visit for the Rhine derby.

“It is quite possible that we will have to play without (Podolski) on Saturday,” the Norwegian boss told Bild.

“We’re creating no chances on goal and have problems in attack.”

Cologne’s 2-1 loss to Nuremberg on Saturday marked their fourth loss in five since the winter break, leaving the club 14th in the Bundesliga.

After the match, goalkeeper Michael Rensing admitted his side are in serious danger.

“We are now in the relegation battle,” he said.

Podolski has scored 15 goals and had four assists in 18 Bundesliga games so far this season.