BVB skipper Mats Hummels is set to return to training. “My plan is to train with the team on Wednesday,” said the defender after Saturday’s match against Sportclub Freiburg.

How are you doing? When will we see you back on the pitch?
This week I made a big step forward. Now I need to catch up and get fully fit. My plan is to train with the team on Wednesday. Then it will be up to the coach to decide when I play again.

Is that a hint that you might be back against Mainz?
We have to see how it works in training, if everything succeeds, whether the feeling to be able to play is back. It wouldn’t be much of a problem if I’m my feel for the ball or going into tackles is not there yet as we have another three great central defenders.

What’s your view on the game against Freiburg?
Shinji can hardly have imagined a better day. The game started a bit scrappy, but the opening goal was – as the coach always says - the “can opener”. It forced the opposition to open up a bit and gave us more space. We used this to our advantage, played better football and picked up a deserved win.

What do you expect from the Arsenal game on Tuesday?
We want to get off to a good start and win at home. I will watch the match from the stands and root from there.