Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed that Franck Ribery will return from injury before the end of 2015.
An ankle injury picked up in March has caused problems for Ribery and Bayern's medical staff, who have been unable to set a date for the French winger's return.
Despite suffering a number of setbacks while watching his teammates from the sidelines, the 32-year-old has been backed to put his injury nightmare behind him.
"What was important is to have the right diagnosis and treatment. I am not that pessimistic and I think in the not too distant future he will come back. That of course does not mean this week or next week," Rummenigge told reporters.
"But he will come back. I am fully convinced of that and that is the key thing."
Ribery was restricted to just 23 appearances in all competitions last season.