Jerome Boateng poised for April return

In an interview with bundesliga.com published on Friday, Jerome Boateng said he was happy with his progress coming back from a groin injury that has kept him on the sidelines since January. Boateng is hoping to return in time for Bayern's final stretch in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

“You always have to be careful about (putting a time frame on a return), but it could be in three to four weeks time,” said Boateng on Thursday in the interview.

Boateng played just 56 minutes in Bayern Munich's first match of the 2016 calendar year before a groin injury took him off the field. This is the longest injury spell in his career, already missing 19 matches for his club. Two weeks ago, Boateng could only manage a light jog on the training ground. Now he has his training gear on and is participating in two training sessions per day.

“Obviously I mustn't overdo it and have to take it one step at a time, but things are looking up,” said Boateng.

Presence needed on defense

If Boateng can make it back on the pitch by the end of April, he will be welcomed back immediately. The Munich backline has suffered of late in the Champions League, giving up two goals in two games to Juventus last time out. Munich required a miracle to come back from two goals down to make the quarterfinals of the competition. Boateng could only watch from the stands as his team struggled.

"It's really difficult for me to watch when I'm unable to play myself," he said. "I'm more nervous than when I'm on the pitch."

Boateng hopes he can play in the Champions League semifinals (should Bayern advance past Benfica in the quarterfinals) and pursue a fourth consecutive Bundesliga title, a feat no Bundesliga club has achieved.

“I'm optimistic about the Bundesliga and winning a fourth successive title." he said. "That's our main objective. In the Champions League, I obviously want us to get through to the next round and progress to the semifinals. I should be back by then. I really want that.”