Bayern's Martinez hopes to return next week

BERLIN - Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez hopes he can return to training with the German first division club.

Martinez underwent a surgery for a groin injury five weeks ago and had been sidelined since then.

"I think, and hope, that in the course of the next week I will be able to take part in team training again," the 25-year-old Spainish said.

"I am training now back on grass, I take part in running and sprint training and also practise again with the ball," he said.

Bayern are top of the German first division league and will next host Mainz 05 on Oct 19.