Schweinsteiger wants CLeague repeat

Bastian Schweinsteiger has already set his sights on retaining the Champions League crown but the Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder will not compromise his fitness in a World Cup year.

No team has managed to win Europe's top competition in its current format in successive years.

Speaking about the Champions League at Munich's training camp in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Schweinsteiger said: "I want to do something with Bayern Munich that no one else has done and defend the title."

Schweinsteiger was also adamant he would not rush his comeback from an injury and surgery to his increasingly problematic right ankle.

"I have just run with curves for the first time. I am happy with how things are now, I can do the exercises well," he said.

Schweinsteiger has also been involved in passing and tactical drills but hasn't trained fully with his Munich teammates.

He played down talk of a return in the Bundesliga fixture with Borussia Moenchengladbach on January 24, saying he could not see into the future.

Germany coach Joachim Loew will be anxious to see Schweinsteiger return as he already has problems in the midfield.

Real Madrid's Sami Khedira is out long-term with cruciate ligament damage, while Ilkay Guendogan of Borussia Dortmund has a back injury.

Before Schweinsteiger can add to his 100 caps for Germany, he must first reclaim his spot in a strong Bayern Munich team.

"I have been here a few years and know the quality I have when I am fit," he said.

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola used Schweinsteiger regularly in the first half of the season and is eagerly awaiting his return.

"Perhaps he needs a little more time but for me personally it is very important my vice captain is here. I know how important Bastian is for the team, the club, and for German football," Guardiola said.