Yuvraj set to make India return

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India batsman Yuvraj Singh, who missed the whole of the South Africa tour with a left knee problem, should be fit to return to duty in late January.

He told the Hindustan Times: "I am about 90 to 95% fit. It's just about getting some match practice now.

"Hopefully I can play three or four practice games, and then if all goes well declare myself fit and be available for selection."

India have four one-day internationals at home to West Indies in late January.

They then have another series of four home ODIs against Sri Lanka in early February.

Uppermost in Yuvraj's sights is the World Cup, with India getting close to finalising their initial squad of 30.

It plays on you mentally, especially when fielding. You wonder whether the injury will recur Yuvraj Singh

The Press Trust of India reported that Yuvraj was expected to play in his first practice game in Mumbai on Friday.

Yuvraj's sports physio Mithun Joshi, who has been assisting the Punjab left-hander in his rehabilitation, has written a full report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

In it, he writes: "Yuvraj is in the final phase of his rehabilitation. He has been doing light fielding, functional agility and netting.

"I expect him to return to light Twenty20 match-style play on 19 January."

Yuvraj, who tore ligaments in his knee in late September, said he was not yet ready to put the problem completely behind him.

He said: "It plays on you mentally, especially when fielding. You wonder whether the injury will recur."