BERLIN (AFP) - Germany defender Christoph Metzelder hopes to be back on the football pitch within two weeks - less than two months after his foot operation - and insists he is on course for June's Euro 2008.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid defender sat out Germany's 4-0 win over Switzerland in Basel on Wednesday night, but is hoping to be up and running by the time the Germany squad is announced on May 16.

"Things are going well and I hope to be back to normal in the next two weeks," he told the German Football Federation (DFB) website.

"I see no reason why I won't be ready for Euro 2008."

Metzelders says he has been running for the last two weeks and expects to return to full training soon after his operation on the bottom of his foot last month.

And a return to football would also have a huge impact on his appearance and a clean shave beckons when he laces up his boots again.

"I said before the operation, I would leave my beard untouched until I was fully recovered," said Metzelder.

The Germany squad will be named on May 16 and there are two friendly games against Belarus and Serbia before the tournament starts on June 8.

Germany face Poland, Croatia and co-hosts Austria in their Euro 2008 group.