“Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry are like new signings” – Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick
Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that attackers Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry are both available for Sunday’s game away to Hertha Berlin, citing the duo’s return from injury as like “having new signings.”
Lewandowski underwent a successful groin operation immediately after Bayern’s Matchday 17 victory over Wolfsburg in December and, although he missed the club’s winter training camp in Doha, is now back in full training with the team.
Gnabry, meanwhile, had been expected to be sidelined for several weeks with an Achilles tendon problem, but has recovered quicker than expected to be involved in the team’s Rückrunde opener.
Watch: All of Lewandowski’s goals in 2019/20 so far
“In terms of personnel, the situation has eased a bit,” Flick said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Jürgen Klinsmann’s Hertha side on Sunday.
“Robert Lewandowski is fit and Serge Gnabry is back on board again. We’re happy to have more options available to us, so we’re heading to Berlin in good spirits. With Serge and Robert back it’s like we’ve got two new signings.
“Robert isn’t yet at 100 per cent, but he’s close to it,” continued Flick. “He’s an absolute professional and while we were in Doha he worked very well on his own. He’s in good shape. He didn’t have any pain when he was shooting in training, which is the most important thing. It’s looking good for him.”
There was also positive news regarding the other players currently in the treatment room, with first team regulars Niklas Süle, Lucas Hernandez, Kingsley Coman and Javi Martinez all sidelined at present.
Watch: The inexorable rise of Serge Gnabry
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“Lucas is furthest along in terms of his recovery,” said Flick. “He’ll train again today and then we’ll get him involved again step by step over the coming weeks. Javi and Kingsley still need a couple of weeks. We’re aiming to have everyone back in February and March because that’s when the decisive weeks of the season begin.”
All of which provides a timely boost to morale for the defending champions as they look to mount their charge for the title in the second half of the season. With just seven points separating the top five, and Bayern four points behind leaders RB Leipzig, they face a tough fight if they are to retain their crown.
“We have the quality to win the league,” Flick said. “Under Niko Kovac last season Bayern proved that they can overcome a points deficit, but we need to take it one game at a time. We need to get off to a strong start. It’s very important to begin the second half of the season with a win.”
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