Liverpool’s Skrtel returns to training

Martin Skrtel, the Liverpool centreback, returned to full training on Wednesday, the club announced in a boost to the defender’s hopes of making Slovakia’s World Cup squad.

The 25-year-old has not played since breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot in February but is hopeful he can prove his fitness in time to make the trip to South Africa.

Slovakia, who have reached the finals for the first time, open their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 and also face Italy and Paraguay in their first round group.