Stuttgart  - VfB Stuttgart midfielder Alexander Hleb is on the way back from a thigh muscle injury and could be available for Saturday's home game against Schalke
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Hleb, who has been sidelined since September 16, took part in team training on Monday without any problems, the club said.

Stuttgart have won just twice in the league this season and have slipped to 13th in the table. Saturday's visit by third-placed Schalke is followed by a key Champions League home game against Spanish side Sevilla three days later.

Stuttgart have, however, lost midfielder Yildiray Basturk who broke the thumb of his right hand a benefit game on Saturday.

The former Turkey international was expected to undergo surgery on Tuesday. He will be fitted with a special cast and could resume training by the end of the week.

Meanwhile Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tamas Hajnal has suffered an ankle ligament injury and is expected to be sidelined "for some time," the Bundesliga club said.

The 28-year-old Hungarian is believed to have suffered a slight tear to ligaments in his left ankle in the 1-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach on October 3.

The club is to refer the player to a specialist to decide whether surgery is advisable.(dpa)