China midfielder Qi Hong gave his team-mates a much-needed World Cup fillip on Friday when he returned to training.
Qi said he was hoping to play a key part in China's World Cup campaign, which gets underway against Costa Rica on 4 June.
"I am very excited," said Qi, who is known as the Ghost for his ability to get in the opposition's penalty area.
"It has been a while since I took part in the national team training and it is frustrating to watch my team-mates go through the regime while I jog around them."
There had been suggestions that Qi - who forms China's midfield axis with star Li Tie - might not be ready for China's opening game on Tuesday.
"Me being eager to get back onto the pitch is an understatement," he said.
"The training went well and I hope I will remain injury free until the World Cup is over.
"The team were happy to see me back and I can tell that they were really happy for me."