 Schwarzer took a blow to the face in a challenge with Ashton |
Mark Schwarzer could be fit to play in Middlesbrough's Uefa Cup final against Sevilla on 10 May, wearing a protective mask on his fractured cheekbone. The goalkeeper has made good progress after surgery on the injury suffered in Boro's 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to West Ham.
"A lot depends on what the medical people say," assistant boss Steve Round told the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette.
"But we are confident that Mark will be able to play in the final."
Schwarzer, 33, was hurt in an aerial clash with Hammers striker Dean Ashton just before half-time and was replaced by fellow Australian Brad Jones.
At the time, it was feared he would be out for the rest of the domestic season, but now the outlook is more optimistic.
"Mark is back in training and the mask option will be looked at," said Schwarzer's representative Barry Silkman.
"He will be trying out the mask in the next few days to see how it is, but he has been told he could play without it.
"Nothing is certain at this point as Mark and the club will not take a big gamble. But he is progressing well and we are all hopeful and confident he will be there in Eindhoven."
The injury is not expected to affect his chances of playing at the World Cup, where he will be Australia's first-choice goalkeeper.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Interview: Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren