Germany boss Joachim Low has claimed that he is "optimistic" that Sami Khedira will be fit to return from injury in time for next summer's World Cup.
Former Germany skipper Lothar Matthaus has questioned whether the Real Madrid midfielder would be fit after undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury this week.
However, Low is confident that he will have the 26-year-old available for next summer's tournament in Brazil.
"If someone is able to return from such a bad injury, it is Sami. He's a fighter, so let's see what happens. We have to be optimistic, just like him," Low told reporters.
Khedira's recovery time has been set at six months.