Mario Gotze says he needs to be patient as he bids to make his first Bayern Munich appearance since October, having finally resumed team training this week following a groin injury.
The 23-year-old has not played since Germany's 1-0 loss away to Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying on October 8.
But with the head coach set to leave for Manchester City at the end of the season, Gotze – provided he returns to full fitness – could find himself back in favour under Carlo Ancelotti in 2016-17.
"Obviously I still need to be patient for little while longer," he told the club's official website.
"I'll try and complete all the sessions this and next week and then we'll see where I stand.
"If you've been out for a while, your instinct is to do as much as possible – but you have to be clever about it."
