Skrtel approaching fitness

Slovakia's Martin Skrtel is nearing fitness as he continues his recovery from injury.

The 25-year-old Liverpool defender has been unable to train with his team-mates since their arrival in South Africa on Wednesday, but is expected to step up his work as coach Vladimir Weiss prepares for Tuesday's opening Group F clash with New Zealand in Rustenburg.

Asked about his squad, Weiss said: "All are healthy, although Martin Skrtel still on Wednesday prepared individually. But he is now almost completely healthy and on Friday, he will no longer be training without the ball."