VfB striker Mario Gomez has been working away on his comeback in Donaustauf for two weeks now. The clubs top scorer spoke to VfB Stuttgart 1893 e.V. about his daily routine, progression and hopes for a quick return.
Hi Mario, you've been in rehab in Donaustauf for two weeks now, how are you?
Mario Gomez: "Thank you, fine. Slowly but surely it's coming along. I have a programme to follow everyday and I'm in good hands here. Klaus Eder, our national team physio has plenty of experience in rehabilitation training. I'm hoping the good work will lead to a quick return."
Any ideas when the VfB fans will see you on the pitch again?
Mario Gomez: "No, not at the moment. So far everything has gone according to plan but it's better to be careful with prognosis. I can promise though that I'm doing all in my power to get back as soon as possible."
All your striker colleagues in the team scored at the weekend, how do you feel about that?
Mario Gomez: "That's super. I was especially happy for Marco Streller, who has had to deal with a lot of criticism, and Benny Lauth on scoring his first goal for VfB. We all know that Cacau is good for a goal."
Aside from your knee you also have a hand injury. How is that?
Mario Gomez: "My hand is not so bad, I'm in no pain. I still have the cast on but that's coming off soon and all is okay."
What is your daily routine in the rehab centre. How does the schedule look?
Mario Gomez: "I start after breakfast. Mornings is treatment, then rehabilitation training and then my therapy with Klaus Eder. Lifting weights, aquajogging, coordinations training and so on. The second shift is then after lunch and I generally finish at about five."
And then exhausted into bed or what's the evening programme like?
Mario Gomez: "I'm not up to much that's true. I maybe watch a DVD or some television. I also read 'Kicker' to keep up with what's going on, I surf the web and telephone with my family. Early to bed and plenty of sleep is good too."
VfB play HSV at the weekend, will you be in the stadium?
Mario Gomez: "No, unfortunately not. It's just to far away. I'll watch the game on television and keep my fingers crossed. I think we'll win 1:0 and I even think I know who'll score."
Who?
Mario Gomez: "Benny Lauth, he'll be really fired up on his return to Hamburg."