Hamburg - Robert Enke is to resume training after missing three German World Cup qualifiers due to a virus, but it remains unclear when the Hanover 96 goalkeeper can return to competitive football with the 2010 World Cup the main target.

"He will join the team this week," Hanover sports director Joerg Schmadtke told German Press Agency dpa.

Schmadtke said it too early to say when Enke can play Bundesliga football again and whether he will be fit for Germany's friendlies against Chile and Egypt next month.

Enke, 32, was sidelined for five weeks with a virus, missing a friendly with South Africa and Germany's last three World Cup qualifiers.

Rival Rene Adler from Bayer Leverkusen took his place and was sensational in Saturday's 1-0 victory in Russia with which Germany clinched the World Cup berth.

Adler now appears to have an edge over Enke again but Germany coach Joachim Loew is yet to reveal who will be the starter at the World Cup, with Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese and Manuel Neuer from Schalke also in the frame. (dpa)