By Ameenu Shardow, follow on Twitter @alooameenu
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s improved health has coincided with Schalke’s impressive form in the New Year which has now seen the side just two points behind third-placed Borussia Dortmund in the German top flight.
The Ghana international has played in all three wins for the Royal Blues after the winter break – signalling a massive improved condition of his troublesome knee.
Boateng has only been substituted once – playing the full duration of the two other Bundesliga matches and scoring a goal and providing an assist in the process.
The 26-year-old was hardly able to complete a chain of games for Schalke in the first half of the season – with injury taking its toll.
The ex Portsmouth man is now beginning to justify the German club’s 12m Euros signing in the summer from AC Milan.
Playing in the space behind the front men, Boateng’s contribution to Schalke’s surge in form has been immense for coach Jens Keller’s as they look to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
His departure from AC Milan has in a way also proved his critical status in the Rossoneri set up as Clarence Seedorf look to redeem what has been a shambolic campaign for the Italian giants this term.
Jens Keller will be counting on the improved health of the Ghana international especially with their Champions League clash against Real Madrid on the horizon.
Boateng’s boosted health also serves as a major boost for Ghana ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The ex Germany youth international has almost always come good whenever he features for the Black Stars and scored on his return to international football in the playoffs against Egypt.