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Bundesliga: Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Javi Martinez on road to recovery

Javi Martinez of Bayern Munich
Image: Javi Martinez: Well on the road to recovery

Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Javi Martinez has revealed he is well on the road to recovery after a knee injury.

The 26-year-old Spain international ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee during the season-opening German Supercup clash against Borussia Dortmund on August 13, which Bayern lost 2-0.

Martinez has been sidelined ever since but has been working hard on his recovery at the club and his fitness levels are beginning to improve.

He told the club's official website, fcbayern.de: "We're right on track. I'm feeling better every day. I'm managing more and more exercise, and that's good for me mentally."

Martinez underwent surgery in Vail, Colorado a week after sustaining the injury and spent a while on crutches as he built up the strength in his knee.

Four months on the sidelines can take its toll on a player, but Martinez said he is now feeling mentally strong in dealing with the injury, although he admitted to struggling initially.

He said: "That (after the operation) was the most difficult time. You can't walk, and you basically can't do anything.

"Friends, team-mates and the physios kept geeing me up and wishing me all the best. It helped me. But I was really down at times and avoided contact with the team. It wasn't an easy period."

But on the bright side, he added: "My leg has to become healthy, and my head has to stay healthy."

Bayern took an 11-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga into the winter break following Friday's 2-1 victory over Mainz, and they return to action at the end of January for a tough clash with second-placed Wolfsburg.

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