Hidayet Türkoglu is optimistic he will be fully recovered from a knee injury by the start of this year's EuroBasket in Spain.

The 28-year-old, who was forced to sit out the recent training camp in Bormio, Italy, due to the problem, has rejoined the squad in Istanbul this week as they continue their preparations for the Olympic qualifying tournament which tips off on September 3.

"I don't think the injury I have is a big problem," said Turkoglu.

		A healthy Hidayet Türkoglu will improve Turkey's chances of winning a medal at EuroBasket.

"I feel fine right now."

Head coach Bogdan Tanjevic ran the rule over Turkoglu, a player who is integral to the team`s chances in Spain, as he trained separately from the rest of the team.

However, Turkoglu says his condition is improving all the time.

"I noticed that I was better today during the training session," he added.

"I will continue to work unless there is something wrong. I will do everything I can for the team."

Turkey are looking to build on last year's strong showing at the FIBA World Championship in Japan, where they finished second in Group C to Greece and then advanced to the quarter-finals.

Neither Orlando Magic ace Türkoglu, nor Turkey's NBA All-Star Mehmet Okur of the Utah Jazz took part last summer due to injuries.

Playmaker Engin Atsür, a key member of last year's team, believes the Bormio camp improved the team`s cohesion.

"Our preparations are very good," said Atsür, who recently signed with Benetton Treviso after an outstanding career at North Carolina State.

"We worked with a higher tempo in Italy and we got better physically.

"I believe we are in a good position as a team."

Turkey fell to defeat to Australia in the Diego Gianatti International Basketball Tournament in Italy, but Atsur is confident his side are improving.

"The games we played were not about the results but for the system," he said.

"Now, we are working in Istanbul. We will get ready in the best way possible."

Turkey are in Group C with the Czech Republic, Germany and Lithuania.