Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger has admitted he is itching to get back to fitness and play his part for the Blues.
The defender has missed almost all of the beginning of this season after picking up a knee injury in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United in April.
That injury required surgery and forced him to miss the final month of last season, including the Europa League final win over Arsenal.
It has also seen him sit out the start of this season, with a return last month against Wolves cut short when needed to be replaced at half-time.
In his absence, Chelsea have flourished under new manager Frank Lampard, and the German admits he is desperate to get back on the pitch and into the squad.
“I’m itching (to get back),” he told Sportschau.
“It is very long now. Even with my cruciate ligament rupture, I was not out for so long. But I am very patient.”
Part of Rüdiger’s determination to get back fully fit and starring is his hope of being part of Germany’s squad for Euro 2020 next summer.
The Germans could end up short at centre back for the tournament, with Bayern Munich centre back Niklas Süle facing a race to be fit after suffering a cruciate ligament tear.
Rüdiger would be the natural successor in the position and says he wants to repay the faith that Germany boss Joachim Loew has shown in him.
“I am very happy that I am very well looked after by Jogi,” he added.
“He always believed in me, never doubted me. I want to give that back. (I was) very, very hurt (by Süle’s injury) because I went through the same thing.”
