Kaymer back in action at Castello, with Casey one week behind him

CASTELLON, Spain (PA) -- This week it is Martin Kaymer; next week Paul Casey. After two months out because of injury, two of Europe's best players are ready to return.

Kaymer, who broke several toes and needed surgery after a go-kart accident, is playing his first event since the PGA Championship at the Castello Masters starting on Thursday.

Casey, who suffered a torn rib muscle while practicing for the British Open and last played at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the start of August, is waiting another seven days for the Volvo World Match Play near Marbella.

"The doctor has now given me the all-clear to get back to playing," said England's world No. 4. "Although the injury is not 100 percent repaired and there is a little discomfort in the area, I have been informed I'm all clear to resume playing and practicing as per normal.

"I am not expecting to be tournament sharp straightaway," Casey added. "However, I'm very excited to be getting back to competition and resuming my challenge for the Race to Dubai."

Casey made it all the way to third in the world rankings after grabbing titles in Abu Dhabi in January, Houston in April and then the European Tour's flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Kaymer was on top of the Tour money list, with Casey second, when he had his crash. Now they are third and fourth, having been overtaken first by Rory McIlroy and then on Sunday by new leader Lee Westwood.

"I am really looking forward to getting back out on the golf course and trying to make up for lost ground on the Race to Dubai," said Kaymer. "My foot has healed well, and the doctor has told me I am fit to play, to put pressure on the foot and play normally.

"Obviously this is my first tournament back, so I do not know exactly how I am going to feel after 72 holes, but I think that it will be all right.

"I hope I can get back to the form that I was in before the accident. If I can get back to that kind of form then I have a chance to win tournaments and the Race to Dubai itself," he explained. "But I have to be patient and make sure I am confident my foot is 100 percent this week."

This week's event is hosted by Sergio Garcia on his home course -- and the Spanish star is also the defending champion, having won by three from Swede Peter Hedblom last year.

"Winning was one of the most emotional moments of my career," said Garcia. "It was a dream come true and a very special victory in front of all my family, friends and members of the club where I have grown up as a player and as a person.

"Many people came to watch that day, and they made me feel they wanted me to win -- which is something I will never forget," he added. "I started crying during the prize-giving."

Masters champion Angel Cabrera, Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie and England's Justin Rose are also in the field.

The tournament also represents one of the final chances of the season for players to finish in the top 115 on the money list and secure their cards for next year.

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