Germany have been handed a boost with the news that Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira could return to action in April.
The 26-year-old has been on the sidelines since November after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty.
It had been reported that Khedira would miss the World Cup next summer, but a physio working with the midfielder has targeted an April return.
"If everything goes according to plan, Khedira will return to the pitch in April and will play at the World Cup," the physio told AS.
Prior to the injury, Khedira had been linked with a January move to the Premier League.