FC Bayern München's Franck Ribery and Medhi Benatia (l-r.) are making steady progress after frustrating spells on the sidelines - © © gettyimages
FC Bayern München's Franck Ribery and Medhi Benatia (l-r.) are making steady progress after frustrating spells on the sidelines - © © gettyimages

Ribery and Benatia step up recovery; Robben fit for Köln

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Munich - FC Bayern München duo Franck Ribery and Medhi Benatia were able to train with the ball on Thursday following injury.

French winger Ribery has been out of first-team action since March with a troublesome ankle problem, while Moroccan centre-back Benatia only recently returned to light training after picking up a thigh injury in the 2-1 win at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Matchday 2. No definitive date has been given for either players’ return, however.

Robben ready to rock

In other news, Bayern winger Arjen Robben has told Germany's leading sports magazine kicker that he is fit to face 1. FC Köln on Saturday. "I'm feeling good," he said following a six-week spell on the sidelines with an abductor injury. "I'm fit and ready to play again. It's looking good for Saturday."

Bayern midfielder Javi Martinez and Juventus FC loanee Kingsley Coman are also available for selection again after shaking off minor muscular complaints, but the game comes too soon for Sebastian Rode (thigh). "It’s going to take time," the former Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder explained in an interview with club website fcbayern.de. "The Köln game’s not on the agenda for me."