Makoto Hasebe is planning to be back in action for FC Nurnberg before the end of the Bundesliga season.
The Japan national team captain has been sidelined since December 21 after tearing medial ligaments in his right knee but is on the verge of a first team return with der Club.
Nurnberg have two regular season matches remaining in 2013/14 to avoid straight relegation but it appears evident that they will at least be involved in a two-legged relegation playoff against 2.Bundesliga's third-placed side.
With survival a priority, defensive midfielder Hasebe is looking to return to Roger Prinzen's line-up in order to keep the Franconian outfit safe in Germany's top flight.
"I'm really sad not to have been in a position to help the team in recent weeks," former Wolfsburg star Hasebe said.
"Now I'm happy to be back training. I'm about 70 per cent fit, but I want to get back to 100 per cent to help the team beat relegation.
"I'm only thinking about Nürnberg. I want to be here next season."
Nurnberg meets 13th-placed Hannover at home this weekend before travelling to third-placed Schalke on April 10.
