Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is hopeful of returning to the Schalke side for this Sunday's Bundesliga match against Hamburg after returning to training following a six-week lay-off.
The 29-year-old has not played since scoring in their 2-1 victory over Dortmund in early April and his return to action would be a welcome boost for Jens Keller's side, who have won only two of six in his absence.
Schalke are currently fourth and occupy the last Champions League spot for next season's competition, however just two points separate them and the four sides below them, with four matches remaining.
Huntelaar has struck 11 times for Schalke this season and believes he could have an opportunity to add to that tally this weekend.
"For the first training session that was very good! I have had no problems with the knee. I am optimistic for Sunday," Huntelaar told German newspaper Bild.
Hamburg are one of those sides within touching distance of Schalke and after seeing his side miss multiple chances in last weekend's 1-0 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, captain Benedikt Howedes is desperate for the club's star striker to return.
"We were in Frankfurt too inconsistent in front of goal, six big opportunities missed," he said.
"Klaas-Jan is always good for a goal. He is a weapon. Even if it only was as a substitute, we would do well!"
