csconstantine.com

BERLIN (AP)—Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira could make his comeback from injury in Germany’s 2012 European Championship qualifier in Austria on Friday.

Germany assistant coach Hansi Flick says on Tuesday “everything is going to plan” and that “his muscle injury has healed.”

Khedira has not played since tearing a thigh muscle in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 20.

Flick says “we’re confident he’ll play on Friday, but we’ll take absolutely no risk if he’s not fully fit.”

Germany is without midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, defender Per Mertesacker and striker Miroslav Klose as it aims to make it six wins from six in Group A.

If Khedira does not recover in time, Simon Rolfes will partner Toni Kroos in midfield.

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Labels: comeback, Germany, hopeful, Khedira

{ Fernando Torres lasted 66 minutes on his Chelsea debut with his new employers losing 1-0 to his former club Liverpool. Photograph: Sportsphoto/Richard Sellers

Fernando Torres says Liverpool caught Chelsea by surprise on his debut yesterday but remains confident that his new employers will have a say in the Premier League title race.

The £50m striker's much-hyped first appearance for Chelsea failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge and he was replaced after 66 minutes as Liverpool went on to win 1-0 through a goal from Raul Meireles.

"It was very difficult, Liverpool played a good game, with three at the back. We were not expecting that and maybe they took advantage," Torres told Chelsea TV.

"I think the fair result was the draw, it was unfair to lose that game, but now we are looking forwards to the next game and will keep fighting until the end. There are a lot of points still to play [for]."

After yesterday's disappointment Torres preferred to look on the positive welcome he received from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

"Obviously everyone wants to win, especially if it is their first game at home, but I will still have very good memories about my reception here and want to thank all of the Chelsea fans for that nice reception," he said.

"The result was not the best, but we have to keep going and fighting until the end."

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Labels: championship, Chelsea, Fernando, Guardian, hopeful, still, Torres