Schweinsteiger to return this year, says Rummenigge

Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is set to play again this year, according to Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, having been sidelined by a knee injury since the World Cup final.The 30-year-old Schweinsteiger -- an integral part of the German team that won the World Cup in July -- picked up an ankle knock training with Bayern before injuring a knee ligament.But Rummenigge is optimistic Schweinsteiger can return to training in next week's international break which could see the defensive midfielder play again before Bayern's last Bundesliga match prior to the winter break on December 19 at Mainz."He is likely to play again in 2014," Rummenigge told German magazine Kicker."Everything is okay. He may get back into team training in the next international break."In Schweinsteiger's absence, Bayern are unbeaten and top both the Bundesliga and their Champions League group.Germany, though, have missed his leadership in midfield having lost to Poland and drawn with Ireland which has left them third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group.

Source: AFP