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Maldini confident of World Cup fitness

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has admitted his return from injury has not gone according to plan, but remains confident he will be fully fit in time for this summer's World Cup finals. The Italy international, who is an integral part of coach Giovanni Trapattoni's World Cup plans, has had to watch from the sidelines since damaging knee ligaments against Atalanta in December.

'I'm better although I still have a bit of pain,' the 33-year-old defender was quoted as saying on the official AC Milan website.

'We're trying to follow a plan that was arranged within a schedule of two months, which has already passed. I was hoping to be more advanced in my condition.

'I'm looking to heal as soon as possible, above all for Milan and also for the national team. I have trained with my team mates for only a week but I really want to return.'

Maldini is confident he will be back in time to prepare for the World Cup and be at his peak when the tournament starts.

'A month of the championship could restore match fitness ahead of the World Cup, regardless of how much time one has been out,' he added.

AC Milan have had a stuttering season. Currently sixth in Serie A, after winning only once and drawing five times in their last seven matches, they remain 12 points behind leaders Juventus.