Oliver Kirch has been training with the ball for a week now, something he enjoys of course much more than just working on his strength and endurance. “I’m about 90 percent fit, and everything feels much better,” said the Dortmund midfielder.

Kirch hopes to return to full training by the end of the week, eight and a half weeks after suffering a torn muscle in training. “It was like a cable snapped,” is how Kirch described the pain to his back thigh muscle.  A huge setback for him after a second half of the season in which he proved his worth for the team on more than one occasion - not only with his fine performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League - after having been restricted to sporadic appearances. Kirch’s contract was extended until 2016, and his standing has improved since the second half of last season.

“I’m not just an alternative but a real option,“ said the 32-year-old confidently. After having a good pre-season, he was unfortunate to pick up an injury as well given BVB’s injury crisis in the holding midfield positions. Kirch, however, does not expect to have “to get in line” for a place in the starting line-up but “to get my minutes, no matter who is fit.”

Source: kicker