The joy on Bastian Schweinsteiger’s face was clear for all to see. When he stepped onto the pitch, when he worked with his team-mates and at the end of the session. The Bayern midfielder had an unmistakable smile when he returned to full training on Wednesday afternoon.
The last time the FCB vice-captain worked out with the first team squad was at the training camp in Qatar four weeks ago. He was then sidelined again with a knee injury. But now Bastian is back and he was in the thick of it on the training ground to the evident pleasure of the 400 fans looking on at the Säbener Strasse facility.
Schweinsteiger completed the whole session including the initial tactical drills, carried out behind closed doors, then the football fitness course ending with a shot at goal and the final three-against-three tournament. He not only scored the winner twice but he also celebrated with his team-mates as he won the tournament.
First steps for Badstuber
The FCB injury list is finally easing with Schweinsteiger returning to full training. Javi Martínez and Daniel van Buyten, who have also been sidelined with knocks recently, resumed training with the rest of the squad on Saturday. Only Tom Starke had to take it easy due to a slight problem with his neck.
Holger Badstuber is now the only player in sports rehab. The Germany international has finally taken his first steps to get back on track after his cruciate injury. He has started working on a special treadmill, known as the Old G, that lessens the forces exerted by the body weight of the user.
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