Karimi vows: I'll be ready

Iranian superstar Ali Karimi says he will be fit for the World Cup finals this summer.

Iranian superstar Ali Karimi says he will be fit for the World Cup finals this summer.

Karimi suffered an ankle injury in Bayern Munich's match against Hamburg SV on Saturday, picking up the problem in the second half on a pitch that had suffered from a heavy snowfall.

Bayern's team doctor said: "Karimi's right ankle will be in a cast for 10 days and he could return to the pitch in six to seven weeks."

Shortly after his successful surgery, Karimi declared: "My physicians evaluated, operated and took good care of me. I am confident that I will be back to training and ready in time for the World Cup."

With regard to his missed opportunity to be with Bayern Munich, Karimi added: "My biggest disappointment is that I will miss a chance to be with Bayern in the Champions League and play for my team."

Karimi played a key role in a friendly match for Iran's national team against the World Cup-bound Costa Ricans on March 1. In that game, he scored a goal and was a major factor in the other two goals Team Melli scored on the way to a 3-2 victory.