Santa Cruz has figured as a late substitute in Bayern's recent games

The Paraguay striker has returned to action with Bayern Munich after more than five months out with a cruciate ligament injury to his right knee.

"I'm delighted to be back playing again, everything is going faster than I expected," said the 24-year-old.

"I did not expect to come back so soon. It is getting better day by day and my confidence is growing so I'm not afraid to go into tackles any more."

Santa Cruz, who earned the nickname 'BabyGol' when he made his debut as a 17-year-old, has come on as a late substitute in Bayern's last three Bundesliga games and the Cup semi-final victory over St Pauli.

And he is keen to drop down to the reserves in order to increase his match fitness ahead of Paraguay's opening Group B game in Germany against England.

"I want to prove myself in the reserves and these games will help give me the confidence I need," Sant Cruz added.