Lahm has spring in his step again

Stuttgart spell
The 22-year-old made 53 appearances in Germany's top flight while on loan at VfB Stuttgart in the last two seasons and has also been capped 15 times by his country. Yet his only senior appearance for Bayern was as a substitute in the last minute of the 3-3 draw against RC Lens in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League group stage.

Injury problems
Lahm's progress has been hampered by a succession of injury problems last term at Stuttgart. He first suffered a stress fracture in his right foot and then tore knee ligaments just before the end of the season. It restricted him to 22 appearances, although he did get a full 90 minutes in the 2-2 league draw with Bayern last December.

'Great feeling'
He went back to Bayern in the summer and, after returning to training last month, could be included in the squad for Saturday's match at DSC Arminia Bielefeld. Lahm proved his readiness last night with 45 minutes for the club's amateur side against SSV Jahn Regensburg and was understandably delighted. "It was a great feeling to have finally returned to the pitch," he said.

World Cup hope
Bayern coach Felix Magath, who secured the player to a new long-term contract in August and first took him to Stuttgart, will not be the only one hoping Lahm quickly rediscovers the form that made him one of Europe's most promising young defenders. National-team coach Jürgen Klinsmann has identified Lahm as a key man for next summer's FIFA World Cup finals.

Slowly but surely
Lahm also has the finals in his sights, although he confesses he may not be ready for regular action until the new year. "I am convinced I will be able to play to my maximum level soon," he said. "I am looking forward to training with Bayern over the winter break and then I will be fully ready for club football and the national side."