Mario Gotze has revealed that he expects to be available for Bayern Munich at the start of January as he recovers from a groin problem.

The 23-year-old has been on the sidelines since October, when he injured his groin on international duty with Germany.

It had been feared that the attacker would not return until February or March, but the Bayern star is confident that he will be fit after the winter break in the Bundesliga.

"Right now I am feeling fine, everything is going as planned. The rehab is now starting and the muscle has healed," Gotze told reporters. "So I hope I will be back for the second half of the season and start with the team like the other players in January."

Gotze has scored once and provided three assists in seven league matches for his German club this season.