Previews: Josue eyes Wolfsburg return
BERLIN - Wolfsburg captain Josue is eyeing a return to the Bundesliga this Saturday when the German champions take on second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
Wolfsburg have been without their skipper for around three weeks and his possible comeback could not come at a better time for the club, who have slipped to seventh place in the standings.
The Brazilian international underwent knee surgery last month but rejoined the team at training on Wednesday, boosting his chances of playing this weekend.
"I am still lacking a bit of consistency but the most important thing is I don't feel any pain," he said.
"Now there are two more training days and it is up to the coach to decide whether I play on Saturday."
Wolfsburg have already lost twice in four matches this season, including their first home defeat since the 2007-08 season, making Josue's return to the starting team more than likely as the champions seek to regain their sparkling form of last year.
"I am definitely not ruling out (Josue playing)," said coach Armin Veh.
While Wolfsburg have struggled, Leverkusen's young team have made a flying start to the season under the guidance of coach Jupp Heynckes.
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Bayern Munich have made a slow start to the season and sit in eighth spot, despite their recent 3-0 win over Wolfsburg.
They travel to Borussia Dortmund this weekend desperate for a win but strengthened by the return of Dutchman Arjen Robben and French midfielder Franck Ribery.
"We have dropped many points in the first three games that we must recover now," Bayern midfielder Thomas Mueller said.
"After the Wolfsburg win we showed we were still alive but now we must start bagging points."
Unbeaten league leaders Hamburg SV host VfB Stuttgart this weekend while third-placed Werder Bremen take on Hanover 96.