MADRID : Germany midfielder Sami Khedira has been included in Real Madrid's squad for the first time since having knee surgery last November.
Khedira hasn't played since tearing a ligament in his right knee while playing for his country in a friendly against Italy.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Khedira "will be on the bench" for Sunday's home game against Valencia.
Ancelotti says "we have to be careful. He is well, but he needs to play little by little."
Germany's first game at the World Cup is against Portugal on June 16. It also faces Ghana and the United States in its group.