No World Cup fears for injured Bastian Schweinsteiger

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 17, 2013, 21:38  

Berlin: Bayern Munich`s Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger has said he has no fear of missing the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, despite his on-going ankle problems.

"I have not had a moment`s concern about missing the World Cup," Schweinsteiger told SID, an AFP subsidiary.

"It`s annoying that I can`t play, but I have to take care of my body. It`s not the first time...(that I`ve been injured).

"Light jogging is now possible, but no ball work.

"It`ll take a while yet, but I am working harder in training than when I am fit."

The 29-year-old has been out since mid-November after a second operation on his right ankle, having also gone under the knife in August.

Midfielder Schweinsteiger has made 100 appearances for his country and should have a key role to play for Germany when they take on Portugal, Ghana and the USA in Group G in Brazil next year.

Schweinsteiger will sit out Bayern`s Club World Cup campaign, which starts on Tuesday when they face Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the semi-final in Morocco, and is not expected to return until the European champions` winter training camp starts on January 5.

"I still feel like I am on holiday," joked Schweinsteiger, whose Bayern side are seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. AFP ----------------- ZEENEWS.com