Bastian Schweinsteiger is "very confident" he will be able to fit in time for Euro 2016, according to Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff.
Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger, 31, partially tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee while with the Germany team in late March and is not expected to feature for his club before the end of the season.
However, Germany are still holding out hope that their captain will return in time for the tournament in France, which begins on June 10.
"I talked to him a few days ago. He was very confident," Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff told kicker. "All in all it has been a difficult year for him with little consistency, but he could compensate it with his experience and his incredible will to play the tournament."
Germany head coach Joachim Low has in the past said that he is keeping the door open for the former Bayern Munich star to return.
Low cited the injuries both Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira had suffered in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup before the duo went on to play an important role in securing the trophy.
Bierhoff added: "He's an anchor for many players through his personality. Bastian is not a loud speaker, but through his manners and his heartiness, he gives the team a certain warmth and joy.
"Already at the World Cup you could see in his and Khedira's case how important players can be even though they don't play for 90 minutes in every match or maybe only fully return during the tournament."