Manchester United injury news: Bastian Schweinsteiger expects to return to full fitness in March

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed he is set to return to action in March. The 31-year-old star, who joined United in the summer, has been sidelined since the start of January with a torn medial ligament.

However, the Germany captain expects to be able to begin running again next week and has also dismissed worries that he could miss Euro 2016 in the summer. "Unless the European Championship is suddenly brought forward to the start of March, then it looks good," he told German newspaper Bild.

"A medial ligament tear takes time, but everything is healing well. I know my body, everything will be OK," the United star explained. "In about five days, I'll begin to start running again and five days after that I should be training with a ball again. I should be completely back on board in March."

Schweinsteiger plans to play some part in home friendlies against England on 26 March and Italy on 29 March. The German has endured a difficult start to his United career, but has defended his form and fitness this season.

"Despite suspension and injury, I have still managed to play in 27 games this season," he said of his performances with United. "Things could have gone better, but this discussion is already very laborious."

Schweinsteiger's performances were criticised by United boss Louis van Gaal in December, when he remarked that he was not as good as he was during their time together at Bayern Munich. "I cannot say that he was the Schweinsteiger from my period in Munich today," he explained.