Schwarzer vows to return this season

Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer has said he expects to be back in training in two weeks despite breaking his cheekbone during the 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss against West Ham.

The injury happened when West Ham striker Dean Ashton collided with Schwarzer late in the first-half. But Schwarzer told Sky Sports News that, even though he will need surgery, he could play again for Boro this season.

The Australian will be keen to return to action as soon as possible ahead of the World Cup in Germany, where Schwarzer has been tipped to shine.

If he does recover as quickly as he thinks, Schwarzer would be available for the UEFA Cup final – if Middlesbrough overcome Steaua Bucharest at the Riverside on Thursday (Apr 27).

It would be fitting if that did happen, as it was Schwarzer who kept Steaua’s advantage to just one goal in the first-leg last week.

However, a statement on the official website raised doubts about whether Schwarzer will return this season.

The statement said: "Providing a specialist gives the go-ahead, he could be back in light training within a fortnight wearing a protective mask. It could be up to a month, however, before he is cleared to play again."

Grant Downie, Boro's Head of Medical, added: "Mark is likely to miss the rest of Middlesbrough's season but should be okay for the World Cup."

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