Munich  - Franck Ribery says he is ready to take on a playmaker role in central midfield under new coach Louis van Gaal at Bayern Munich.

Ribery told Sports Bild newspaper on Wednesday he was ready to give the position a try although he preferred playing in a more left-wing position.

Van Gaal sees Ribery in a central role behind the strikers as he tries to introduce tactical changes in his first season at the club.

Ribery took part in full training on Monday as he steps up his recovery from a groin strain but will not play in a friendly at second-division Union Berlin on Wednesday.

He is likely to be in the Bayern squad for Saturday's visit by champions Wolfsburg but may not play from the start.

"I will give the number 10 (playmaker) position a go and see if it works," he was quoted as saying by Sports Bild.

The France international added that although it was not his favourite position it would open up more goalscoring opportunities.

Ribery said it had been "a very difficult summer" for him amid injuries and speculation over a move to Real Madrid. He had been "really hurt" by critical remarks during the transfer saga by club president Franz Beckenbauer.

Bayern are only 14th in the Bundesliga after two draws and a 2-1 defeat at Mainz on Saturday as they take on Wolfsburg.

Van Gaal continues to without the injured Martin Demichelis (torn ankle ligament) in defence and captain Mark van Bommel (broken toe) in midfield. Striker Luca Toni has stepped up his training but still has a fitness deficit.

Meanwhile Wolfsburg will be without captain Josue who suffered a cartilage injury in Sunday's 4-2 home defeat to SV Hamburg and was to undergo surgery on Wednesday. (dpa)