Koln coach Zvonimir Soldo has allayed fears that Lukas Podolski had suffered a serious setback in his recovery from a foot problem.

The Germany striker was expected to return from a four-week lay-off during Saturday's Bundesliga meeting with Hamburg and was a surprise omission from the teamsheet.

But following reports of a setback in his recovery, Soldo has revealed that he always intended to tread carefully with the 24-year-old striker.

"He probably wouldn't have made it in time for the match against HSV anyway," he explained after revealing Podolski pulled out of training in the build-up to the match with a minor foot issue.

"He needs some more training action before being fit enough to play a match again."