Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has provided Slovakia with a timely World Cup boost by making a return to training.

The 25-year-old defender has been sidelined since late February with a broken metatarsal which was threatening his participation in this summer's tournament in South Africa.

However, after eight weeks on the sidelines, the centre-half has returned to full training with the Reds and is now expected to be fit for Slovakia's first game of the tournament on June 15 against New Zealand.

Slovakia also face Italy and Paraguay in Group F in their first ever World Cup Finals appearance.

"Martin Skrtel will today return to full training at Melwood following his metatarsal break," confirmed a club statement.

"The centre-back hasn't featured since our 3-1 victory in Unirea on February 25, but he is now hopeful of being fit for South Africa this summer."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email