Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expects Luca Toni to return to the first team after he returned to training today.

The Italy international had been given permission to return to Italy for 10 days to recover from a persistent Achilles tendon injury and it had been rumoured during his time away that he would not return to Germany.

Serie A side Roma were reported to have shown in interest in the striker, whose chances appear to be limited under new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal.

But Rummenigge has every faith in him convincing the new coach that he too deserves a place in his star-studded side.

"I would warn against writing Luca Toni off," he told DSF television.

"Let's not forget that he has been an extremely important player for us for two years."

Toni won the Bundesliga golden boot award during his first season with Bayern, although he was unable to find the back of the net with quite the same regularity last season.

Following the arrivals of Ivica Olic and Mario Gomez this summer, it appeared he would no longer be guaranteed a place in the starting XI, but with Miroslav Klose currently struggling for form, his chance may still come.

And Rummenigge is certain Toni will fight for his place and not content himself with a place on the bench.

"He is mentally a very strong player," he added.