Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze has admitted that he has struggled not to become frustrated by his start to life in Bavaria, which has been blighted by injury problems.
Gotze arrived from Borussia Dortmund during the close season with a capsular tear, which ruled him out of last season's Champions League final between the two German giants.
The 21-year-old has been restricted to just three appearances for Bayern so far this season, with an ankle injury sustained in the Super Cup against Chelsea keeping him sidelined for three weeks.
After recovering to make the bench for last weekend's win over Wolfsburg, the playmaker has conceded that he is itching to play for the first time since August.
He told Bild: "It has not been easy to remain patient. I obviously want to play games.
"Every player wants to play games. I want to be on the pitch for each second of every game.
"But I have been injured for four weeks. Let's not forget that."
Gotze has been included in Pep Guardiola's squad for tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad.
Liam Power
