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.
Source: AFP
