The 30 year-old has had to miss out on the two-match trip to Thailand after sustaining a slight hamstring injury in training last week, but he is happy with the progress he is making and is confident that he will be able to play a full part in the Blues’ final warm-up match.
“It is similar to the injury that I had in the final game of last season against Middlesbrough though it is not as bad.
“I need eight or nine days to recover fully and hope to return as soon as possible within ten days.
“That I believe will be enough time to give me a good pre-season and to be fit for the start of the season.
“I should be fit for the Thomas Cook Trophy match against Olympiacos which is a very important game for us.”
The Greek champions will pose a stern test for Stuart Pearce’s men ahead of the opening of the new Premiership campaign, boasting several players who surprised the rest of Europe by winning Euro 2004 in Portugal.
Mihalis Kapsis and Antonis Nikopolidis both played in the famous 1-0 win over the hosts in Lisbon just over 12 months ago, and Olympiacos’ progress in the Champions League last season was only ended by Steven Gerrard’s late winner at Anfield.
Sibierski sees the match as crucial not only for his rehabilitation from injury, but also for the team as they seek to carry on the good work from the unbeaten run at the end of last season.
“It will be important for us to play well and show a good spirit in the team. It is a game that can set the tone for us and give us the confidence for the first Premiership match against West Brom.
“I am sure we can pick up where we left off in the final eight games of last season.”
The Greek side’s ranks are also boosted by Brazilian superstar Rivaldo, someone that Antoine knows can change the course of any game he plays in.
“I have never played against him, but he is a great player and can make the difference at any time in the game.”
