Germany defender Christoph Metzelder fulfills a dream when he walks out for Germany in their friendly international against China on Wednesday.

Metzelder is set for a recall he feared would never happen, almost three years after suffering a career threatening injury.

The 24-year-old centre-back suffered a series of Achilles tendon injuries and he has only recently gained full fitness after several setbacks.

“It will be the fulfilment of a dream,” Metzelder said.

“It’s 10 months since I made my original return in a reserve team game and now the circle is closed. It’s a comeback I wasn’t banking on.

“When as a sportsman you’ve been in danger of having to give up your career at an early age, you know that’s the most stressful situation you’re going to face.

“I’m not a novice any more but people should not expect miracles from me.”

Klinsmann welcomed back the Borussia Dortmund defender.

“He has got his form back to a level high enough for the Bundesliga,” Klinsmann said. “It’s now our job to make sure gets back to full international form.”