Schweinsteiger on track for Euro 2012

Bastian Schweinsteiger has returned to full training with the rest of the Germany squad, participating in an open session on Monday.

Joachim Loew’s side arrived in Poland on Monday ahead of Euro 2012 and waited just three hours before starting their first training session at Lechia Gdansk Stadium.

The Bayern Munich midfielder joined up with the squad a week ago following his involvement in the Champions League final.

Schweinsteiger missed the 5-3 loss to Switzerland as he was still nursing a thigh injury.

However, the 27-year-old was given the all clear by the team’s medical staff to take part in the session, with Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff confirming his return.

“The health department has given the green light.” Bierhoff said. “He can train normally again.”

The Euro 2008 runners-up will stay in Poland, despite their group matches being held in Ukraine, and Bierhoff thanked the locals for their warm welcome.

“We have been extremely well received and have excellent conditions. We look forward to the time in Poland and now ever say thank you for your hospitality,” Bierhoff said.

Germany begin their Euro 2012 campaign against Portugal on June 9, before playing the Netherlands and Denmark.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/schweinsteiger-on-track-for-euro-2012/95873/

Injury scare for Balotelli

Italy forward Mario Balotelli was forced to leave Monday’s training session with a fitness problem.

The Manchester City man reportedly complained of slight discomfort in his right knee and was given permission by Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli to leave the session early.

According to the Italian team’s medical staff, Balotelli has suffered a minor muscle overload and is expected to resume full training on Tuesday.

The news comes on the same day that Italy found out Andrea Barzagli could spend up to 20 days on the sidelines because of a calf problem.

Prandelli’s men will begin their Euro campaign on Sunday against Spain before taking on Croatia and Republic of Ireland.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/injury-scare-for-balotelli/95858/

Roy set for first England session World Soccer Shop

Roy Hodgson will start working with the bulk of the England squad for the first time when they report to their Manchester base on Wednesday.

Hodgson: Preparing for first training session as England boss

Hodgson has had to wait three weeks since becoming manager to link up with new skipper Steven Gerrard and the majority of the players chosen to play at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

The conclusion of the Premier League season and the need for players to take a short break before the summer exertions has delayed Hodgson's involvement with the squad.

It leaves the former West Brom boss just 19 days and two friendly internationals against Norway and Belgium to hone his plans before the Euro 2012 opener with France on June 11.

The players will undergo their first training sessions with Hodgson on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday before flying out to Oslo on Friday for the game with Norway the following day.

It is the first time they have been together since the 3-2 defeat by Holland at Wembley in late February - and it will be next week before a full compliment of players is at Hodgson's disposal.

The Chelsea contingent of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill - plus stand-by player Daniel Sturridge - have been given extra time off after the club's Champions League heroics.

They will not report for duty until next Tuesday when England link-up at their accustomed Hertfordshire base ahead of the home clash with Belgium at Wembley on June 2.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is also working to the same schedule after playing with a minor injury during the latter part of the campaign.

But in any case Rooney is suspended for England's opening two Euro games and his first chance to be involved in the tournament will be against Ukraine on June 19.

Hodgson has still to decide whether Rooney will play against Belgium given that he has to make alternative plans against France and then Sweden. Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Danny Welbeck are the other striking options in the squad.

The main injury concern of the players reporting tomorrow continues to be Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker.

Parker, who skippered his country against Holland, was troubled by an Achilles injury during the latter part of the domestic campaign and he will be assessed by the England medical team.

Hodgson was optimistic about his chances when he announced his squad a week ago but will not make a final decision until May 29 - the date the final Euro squad needs to be submitted.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is on stand-by should Parker be ruled out.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16922/roy_set_for_first_england_session