Heidenheim's Müller could play in season finale but not Saturday
Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Mueller is treated behind a tarpaulin during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Heidenheim and VfL Bochum at Voith-Arena. Goalkeeper Kevin Mueller may return for relegation-threatened Heidenheim in the last game of the season but will not play on Saturday against Union Berlin. Harry Langer/dpa
Goalkeeper Kevin Müller may return for relegation-threatened Heidenheim in the last game of the season but will not play on Saturday against Union Berlin.
The 34-year-old was knocked out after a collision during last Friday's game with Bochum and spent several days in hospital with severe concussion symptoms.
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He is now beginning light training exercises and could feature on May 17 against Werder Bremen, making him also an option for a potential relegation play-off.
"If things improve a little every day this week with the programme he can follow, then it is not out of the question that he could be back next week," coach Frank Schmidt told reporters on Friday.
Heidenheim are third-bottom in the relegation play-off spot before Saturday's game at Union. Frank Feller will deputize as the visitors look for a win which would fend off automatic relegation if Holstein Kiel lose at home to Freiburg.
A play-off would be against the third-placed team from the second tier but Heidenheim have not given up on overhauling Hoffenheim or St Pauli, who are five points above them with two to play.
Schmidt emphasised that the final two matchdays are "crunch time" for the club.
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