Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has returned to training for the first time since March as he steps up his recovery from an ankle injury.

The Frenchman was initially expected to be back in action at the start of this season, but Bayern have been unwilling to set a date for his return after he suffered a setback.

However, Ribery is finally running once again and he is expected to be available for selection before the end of the year.

"Slowly but surely, long-term injury victim Franck Ribery is returning to full fitness," a club statement revealed.

"On Friday, at the same time as his team-mates were setting off for the evening Bundesliga fixture in Frankfurt, the French winger pulled on and laced up his football boots for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury last spring.

"Franck's 45-minute training session out on the pitch also included a few drills with the ball at his feet. Once he was done, the superstar high-fived every one of the 20 or so fans who had watched him train."

Ribery was restricted to just 23 appearances last season.