Ilkay Gundogan targeting October return

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he is "edging ever closer" to a return to first-team action.

The German international has been out of action with a back injury since August 2013, but the 23-year-old has targeted a return to action next month.

"I feel that I'm edging ever closer to my former self. My comeback isn't too far away any more. I could be back after the international break," he told Kicker.

"I have already pencilled out the entire day and I will thoroughly enjoy my comeback. I felt like a 90-year-old when I had just picked up the injury.

"I never considered the option that I could be forced to retire from football, but it was obviously the worst experience of my career."

The midfielder could return in Dortmund's Bundesliga clash against Koln on October 18.