Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender happy with fitness progress

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender has revealed that he is recovering well from the pelvic injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

The 25-year-old German has been out of action over the summer due to a pelvic bone inflammation.

However, Bender is hopeful of being fit for the start of the new Bundesliga season after making his return to training.

"I'm torturing myself throughout training," he told Ruhr Nachrichten. "Now we have begun training intensely.

"I am now four weeks into my full recovery and it feels very good to be back, even if it is not easy."

Bender has won seven caps for the German national team following his debut back in 2011.