Bayern Munich have been handed a boost with the news that midfielder Thiago Alcantara is close to a return to action.
The Spaniard has been out with a thigh injury sustained during a winter training camp in Qatar earlier this month.
But, according toBayern's official website, he could be set for a return against Schalke on Saturday after an impressive performance in a public training session on Monday.
Fun again âš½ @nikefootball pic.twitter.com/pqFFeOjsFp
Thiago's injury update comes with a Champions League last-16 clash with Arsenal on the horizon in mid-February.
The 25-year-old had impressed for the Bundesliga champions before his injury, and could be joined in his return by fellow midfielder Arturo Vidal who took part in training.
Captain Philipp Lahm, meanwhile, was given a break from Monday's training session as a precaution after suffering a knock to the knee.
He is expected to be fit to play Schalke, however, with the medical team confirming that there are no injury concerns.
Veteran playmaker Xabi Alonso and Dutch winger Arjen Robben trained individually, as did Kingsley Coman who has recently recovered from injury.
Bayern travel to Ingolstadt in the Bundesligaafter hosting Schalke, before playing the first of the two legs against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.