Brazil midfielder Sandro resumes running

Rio de Janeiro, April 14 (IANS):

Tottenham Hotspur and Brazil international midfielder Sandro has resumed running as he steps up his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Sandro is currently in Brazil under the medical supervision of his former club Internacional after undergoing surgery in January to repair a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee, reports Xinhua.

The 24-year-old says his objective is be fully fit again in time for the beginning of pre-season training at White Hart Lane in July.

“I’m starting to run again, I’ve been out for three months now,” Sandro told Globoesporte. “I’m improving, but I don’t want to skip stages and return too quickly. You have to follow the doctor’s orders.”

He said he was watching every Tottenham match on television and is hopeful the club can secure a berth in next year’s Champions League.

“We are in great form. We need to continue like this to guarantee a place in the top four,” Sandro said.

“Last year it was difficult. We finished fourth and only didn’t qualify because Chelsea were champions. We need to fight to stay in third or fourth spot in the Premier League.”