Klose eyeing swift recovery

Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose is hoping to return to action soon despite breaking his cheekbone in the UEFA Champions League game against Barcelona last week.

The Germany international returned to light training on Wednesday, just days after undergoing surgery that saw two metal plates placed in his cheek.

"I've got the worst of it behind me," he confirmed. "I was able to run again for the first time today and everything went really well."

Bremen boss Thomas Schaaf paid tribute to Klose's attitude, and revealed how important it was to get him back as soon as possible.

"Miro is hugely ambitious and doing everything possible to get back into the team," he said.

"If it was up to me he'd be back in the starting line-up tomorrow, but Miro will decide when he can do what."

Klose will have to wear a specially designed face-mask when he returns to full training. It is still uncertain when he will next be able to play in the Bundesliga.