Hannover 96 defender Steven Cherundolo has joined first team training and the club are optimistic that he can return to action when Bundesliga play resumes on September 10th.

The US right back suffered an MCL sprain when tackled harshly by Damian Stewart during a World Cup qualifying win over Jamaica in mid-July.

With Hannover struggling with injuries to start the season, Cherundolo's return will be welcome to the club.

He is set to retake the field in a promotional game versus the amateur side TSG Ahlten on Friday night.

"I'm going to be playing for the first time (since the injury) tonight and maybe I'll play 60 minutes or so, or however long my legs will go," Cherundolo told YA. "And then hopefully, next weekend against Frankfurt."

"My knee feels good. Assuming everything goes well, I'll train through the next week. We need every player we can get, so I'll be playing next weekend if I stay fit."

The northerners have opened the campaign with three draws and currently reside in ninth place.

The 26-year old Cherundolo, who extended his contract until 2008 in January, is beginning his seventh full season with the '96ers.

[note]YA's Mark Flannery also contributed to this report[/note]