Bayern Munich have confirmed that they expect Bastian Schweinsteiger to return from an ankle problem early in 2014 following surgery last week to cure the persistent injury complaint.
Schweinsteiger had surgery on his right ankle last Wednesday, with an initial diagnosis placing a timeline for recovery at around three months.
Bayern president Uli Hoeness addressed the 29-year-old's rehabilitation at the club's annual general meeting, declaring that they are confident of a swift return after the Bundesliga's winter break.
"The surgery went well," the Bundesliga's official website quotes him as saying.
"It's looking better than we thought. He should be fully fit for the winter training camp at the latest."
Bayern are hoping to extend their 37-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga against arch rivals Borussia Dortmund this weekend.