21 September 2006, by Sean Gillen

Andrade nears comeback date

Portugal defender to resume training

Deportivo La Corunna defender Jorge Andrade is anxious to return to action as soon as possible after six months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

The Portuguese international has not played since suffering a medial ligament tear against Barcelona in March, but is now just weeks away from a comeback with the La Liga side.

Andrade also missed the World Cup in Germany, and admits that he is determined to get back to full fitness: “It has been my sole objective since the last time I played,” said the former Porto man.

“My desire is to begin training and make myself available. Only the coach can decide when I will return.”

“The key to my recuperation has been my determination. It has not been easy. I knew straight away that I would be out for seven or eight months, but I never gave up hope.”

“From the time I first kicked a ball after six months, the doctors have been very positive.”

Depor have started well without Andrade, with two wins and a draw from their opening three La Liga games, and the return of their star defender will only improve the Galician club’s prospects.