Leon Goretzka reportedly returns to Munich for Oktoberfest amid knee injury recovery

Leon Goretzka is reported to have returned to Munich last weekend to attend the opening of Oktoberfest while continuing his recovery from a knee injury. According to Sport Witness, who cite German publication TZ, the Aston Villa midfielder spent time with former Bayern Munich team-mates at the festival.

Goretzka arrived at Villa Park on a free transfer during the summer window after eight years in Bavaria. He has not been available for selection so far this season because of a knee problem, missing all five of the club's competitive fixtures since his arrival.

TZ claims the 31-year-old did not want to miss the first weekend of the annual event and was seen walking around the Theresienwiese grounds on Sunday. The German outlet states he linked up with former colleagues, including Joshua Kimmich, who were marking a recent victory at the festival.

Sport Witness notes that TZ offered no further detail regarding how long Goretzka stayed in Germany or the specifics of his rehabilitation programme. Aston Villa have not commented publicly on the midfielder's fitness progress or his whereabouts over the weekend.

The midfielder made 312 appearances for Bayern Munich, winning seven league titles and a Champions League trophy before his move to England. His deep ties to the city and his former club appear to have drawn him back despite his ongoing treatment.

Villa next play Brentford at home in the Premier League on Saturday 10 October. Whether Goretzka will be close to a return by then remains unclear as the club continues to manage his recovery without having used him in any matchday squad so far.