Franz Wagner Injury Update: Fantastic news for Orlando Magic as German star's return timeline revealed

The currently undermanned Orlando Magic received a bit of good news as forward Franz Wagner has started contact work and is heading for a return to action from a torn right oblique anytime soon.

ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth shared the development on Friday, and it was picked up by other outlets after, stating that the team is hoping that Wagner would be available in the next seven to 10 days.

Franz Wagner has been sidelined since Dec. 6. Before news broke out that he had started contact work, he was doing individual on-court work. His return is expected to further boost the Magic's campaign after the team recently welcomed back All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who also injured his oblique.

Since Wagner got injured, Orlando went 7-11 in their next 18 games, including their 121-94 loss to the defending NBA champions Boston Celtics on Friday.

For the season, the German national men's basketball team member has been going for 24.4 points, 5.7 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 25 games for the Magic (23-20).

Franz Wagner says he is feeling good and looking forward to rejoining Magic soon

Do-it-all forward Franz Wagner said all is going well in his recovery from a torn right oblique and is looking forward to rejoining the team at the soonest possible time.

He spoke about it with reporters early this week following team practice, highlighting that things were treading in the right direction and that he was just grateful.

Wagner said (via Sports Illustrated):

"I feel good. I think everything is going in a really good direction. I was able to do some more stuff on the court. The muscle is not the issue at this point. Just getting back in shape and making sure I check all the boxes before I go play a game."

However, he was quick to say that he was expecting an adjustment period upon his return:

"Even though I feel good [and] and I can do more stuff, when you're out for a while, it takes time to get some of those things back. So, giving myself a little bit of a grace period. Other than that, I think everyone around me does a good job of not trying to have me go too fast too early. That's pretty helpful for me."

Among those who itching to have Franz Wagner back is Magic coach Jamahl Mosley. The player's return, along with that of erstwhile injured Paolo Banchero, would give the team more stability during games.

Wagner is now on his fourth year with the Magic, who selected him eighth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft out of the University of Michigan. He has career averages of 18.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and a steal in 256 games so far.