Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed that he expects to return to action some time next month following his knee injury.
The 31-year-old has not played since the start of January because of a torn medial ligament, but is optimistic of resuming light training in the next week.
The 114-times capped Germany captain has also dismissed concerns that his fitness and form issues could force him to miss Euro 2016 at the end of the season.
“Unless the European Championships is suddenly brought forward to the start of March, then it looks good,” Schweinsteiger told Bild, according to Sky Sports.
“A medial ligament tear takes time, but everything is healing well. I know my body, everything will be ok.
“In about five days, I’ll begin to start running again and five days after that I should be training with a ball again. I should be completely back on board in March.”
Schweinsteiger was made skipper of the World Cup winners after the retirement of Philipp Lahm, but has played only six of Germany’s 15 games since their triumph in Brazil.
He has started half of United’s Premier League games this season, and completed the 90 minutes only 11 times out of the 27 matches he has started in all competitions.
The veteran is unavailable for tonight’s Europa League round-of-32 second leg with FC Midtjylland, who lead 2-1 following their shock victory in Denmark last Thursday.
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