Deisler poised for 'last' major comeback

"Sebastian, how many comebacks is it now since you came to Bayern?" The media facility at the Säbener Strasse, bursting at the seams with expectant reporters and camera crews, fell silent as Sebastian Deisler pondered the question from the floor. "Two? Three?" he mused, turning to Media Director Markus Hörwick for inspiration, before making up his mind unprompted: "But this is the last one," he emphatically declared.

Bayern take on leaders VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, with Deisler set to appear in the matchday squad for the first time in more than eight months. The midfielder's last match was the Champions League defeat in Milan back on 8 March; six days later, the player capped 36 times by Germany sustained a dislocated cartilage in his right knee while training, ultimately leading to a fifth round of surgery on the joint in question. Now, after patiently working his way through yet another rehab programme, he is back and ready to perform.

Full of confidence

"I'm just delighted to be part of it, and I hope I'll be able to help the team if I play," Deisler declared on Thursday. The 26-year-old was visibly exhilarated to find himself back in front of the press and appeared fully fit and focused, although coach Felix Magath declined to reveal whether the inspirational schemer would feature at any point in the weekend showdown. "Clearly he won't be in the starting line-up, but let's see how the game unfolds," the head coach remarked, not ruling out a potential substitute appearance.

Magath, delighted at the prospect of another option in midfield, urged caution as Deisler reacclimatises to the daily grind of training and playing. "He'll get enough games," the boss smiled, suggesting a new role for the former Berlin star away from his conventional inside-right berth: "He's one of the candidates for the central playmaking position."

Patience a virtue

Deisler knows he will need to bide his time before recapturing his best form. "I'll have to work for my place in the team," he acknowledged, although he has been nothing if not patient over the last eight months, rigorously observing a one-step-at-a-time approach. "He knew exactly what he was doing," Magath revealed, confirming the club had no intention of rushing the player back into action.

"I've always wanted too much, too soon in the past, and it's always gone wrong. It's not easy, but you have to apply the brakes on yourself," Deisler admitted. He finally informed the boss he was ready for action on Wednesday, a full six weeks after resuming the full squad programme.

The time is right

"It was important he took the initiative and decided for himself when he was ready," Magath commented. "In training, I've really been getting stuck in," reported the 26-year-old, who has also put in a number of sessions with the reserves. "[Reserve coach] Hermann Gerland was practically gushing when he talked about Sebastian's performance in training," Magath remarked.

The time has finally come for Deisler to return to match action. "I do think it's probably about the right time now," Magath agreed, perhaps as early as Saturday's meeting with Stuttgart. It will be the third major comeback in Deisler's time at the club, and with any luck at all, it will also be the last one.