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Leverkusen defender Roque Junior finally seems to have healed the injuries that have been bothering him and is ready to return to the field. The thirty-year-old Brazilian played only two matches in 2006 due to a calf injury.
The Brazilian returned to Bayer training last week. Although it was believed that his chances of returning to the field were slim, coach Michael Skibbe had good news for the 2002 World Champion. "After Roque didn't play any matches for a whole year, his physical condition in training was like a surprise to me. R.Junior is ready to play well, and his experience will be very useful for the team," said the coach.
The footballer started his professional career in 1994, playing for Brazilian clubs San Jose and Palmeiras. In 1999, he moved to Europe and represented Milan, Leeds, Siena and since 2004, Bayer, whose contract expires this summer. Roque Junior played 48 matches for the Brazilian national team and became a world champion with them in 2002. Unfortunately, due to injury, the defender could not play in last year's World Cup.
Roque Junior will play his first match after the injury in the Bundesliga on January 28 against Aachen, where he will have the chance to prove himself once again. The player himself says he feels good: "I feel good and no longer feel any pain in the calf. Of course, I still need time, but there are two weeks left until the match against Aachen, and I think I will be ready for it."
