Skrtel back in training with Slovakia

Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel is expected to be fit for their opening World Cup Group F fixture against New Zealand next week after returning to training.

The Liverpool centre-back, who missed the last three months of the Barclays Premier League season after breaking his foot in a Europa League tie against Unirea Urziceni, injured an ankle in last week's friendly against Costa Rica.

However, the 25-year-old took part in a full session with the rest of the squad this morning having previously been restricted to individual work.

A Slovakia team spokesman said there were no worries about Skrtel's fitness as his 'medical results are okay'.