Bayern striker Gomez unsure of return date

Mario Gomez scored 26 Bundesliga goals last year, second only to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

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MUNICH (AP) -- Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez says he doesn't know when he will return following surgery on his left ankle that was only supposed to keep him out for three weeks.

Gomez tells Munich's TZ newspaper "I don't know when I can fully return, when I can take part in team training again. I myself am very impatient and can't even guess how much more time the foot needs. I don't know where I stand.''

Gomez underwent the operation on Aug. 7, and has watched his replacement, Mario Mandzukic, score six goals in Bayern's first five competitive games of the season.

Gomez says "there was never a proper plan. It all depended on how the foot reacted from day to day,'' before adding that his recovery is progressing "very well."

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