Arne Friedrich is looking to be back in action for Chicago Fire when they take on New York Red Bull next weekend.

The Fire have been without the German defender since May 12 because of a hamstring injury but he feels he is on the verge of a comeback with the June 17 home meeting with the Red Bulls a likely scenario.

"[The New York game] is our target," Friedrich said.

"If I feel a little weakness in my physical strength or if I don't feel the freshness, I can say one week later because we don't want to take any risk. But my target is definitely to play New York."

And the former Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg centre-back is now hoping to help guide the Fire, currently placed fifth in the Eastern Conference, into the MLS play-offs this season.

"We lost many points in the league, and our target is to reach the playoffs," Friedrich added. "I'm almost back, and the toughest part is behind me I guess."

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