Overview

• Oliver Baumann, Hoffenheim's goalkeeper, is targeting a return to fitness before Germany's Nations League matches against Italy on March 20 and 23.
• Baumann suffered a plantar fascia tear during a Europa League match against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
• Hoffenheim's coach, Christian Ilzer, stated that Baumann is optimistic and working to recover fully, with an estimated recovery time of four to six weeks.
• The injury comes as Baumann competes with Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart for the starting goalkeeper spot in the national team, following Marc-André ter Stegen's long-term knee injury.
• The coaching staff emphasized the importance of Baumann healing completely before resuming play to avoid further complications.