Schweinsteiger ‘100 percent ready’ for NYCFC

Bastian Schweinsteiger stated Thursday that he will be fit for the Fire’s July 22 match against NYCFC after missing Wednesday’s midweek showdown in Portland.

“I’m 100 percent ready for the next match,” the World Cup winner said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune yesterday. “If we would have played in Portland on Saturday, I would have been able to play.”

Schweinsteiger— who had played in every one of the Fire’s matches before Wednesday— was left out of the team by Chicago Head Coach Veljko Paunovic.

Despite not traveling with the team to Portland, the German designated player remained in high spirits. He took to Twitter to share a message of encouragement to his fellow Men in Red, writing: “Unfortunately, I can’t be on the pitch tonight. But, best of luck to my mates for the game against Portland. Come on, @ChicagoFire! #PORvCHI”

All in all, Schweinsteiger seemed to be in agreement with the decision of the team’s coaches and doctors.

“Pauno and the docs made the right decision,” he said. “It was not easy to accept the injury and to not play, but it was the right decision, and we all agreed to it. I was very happy that we could stay in the position we're on into the break."

The former Bayern Munich man has tallied 2 goals and 5 assists for the Fire this season, who are currently on an 11 game unbeaten streak in MLS play. Yet Schweinsteiger remains adamant that Chicago will not succumb to complacency.

"We are not done yet," Schweinsteiger said. "There are still things where we can improve. If we want to stay in that position, we have to improve.”

The Fire return to action on July 22 against NYCFC and should be close to full strength, as Matt Polster will also be fit for the post-Gold Cup match.