In an interview with kicker , Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst has spoken on his second comeback of an injury-hit season.
After a stellar campaign last season, Kleindienst's season was prematurely ended following a meniscus injury. He then worked on a comeback and made his return at the end of November with brief cameos against Heidenheim, RB Leipzig and St.Pauli.
However, Kleindienst would then suffer another knee injury , which has kept him out since. It was suggested that the 30-year-old could be out for the rest of the season, but he is expected to return to Feburary.
On his comeback, the striker said:
"I can say that everything is going according to plan. I have no problems."
Last season, Kleindienst was a part of the German national team, and the unfortunate time of his injury means time is running out to play in what could be his only chance at a World Cup. On the prospect of making it to the USA in the summer, the 30-year-old said:
"For me, both are currently on my mind – getting fit and my World Cup hopes…hope lives on until the very last second – until I receive a final confirmation or rejection."
In the absence of Kleindienst, Gladbach reacted with the signing of Haris Tabakovic from Hoffenheim on loan. Since arriving in the summer, the Bosnian has been a revelation and currently sits fourth in the top scorer chart on nine goals, meaning he is over halfway to matching Kleindienst's Gladbach record from last season.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
