BLBL2VBL
menu
Rafinha (3rd r.) and Juan Bernat (2nd r.) are both training again as Bayern's treatment room slowly starts to empty. - © © gettyimages / Lars Baron
Rafinha (3rd r.) and Juan Bernat (2nd r.) are both training again as Bayern's treatment room slowly starts to empty. - © © gettyimages / Lars Baron

Injury boost for Bayern ahead of 500th Allianz game

xwhatsappmailcopy-link

There was good news from the FC Bayern München treatment room on Friday as the club prepares for Sunday's meeting with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (kick-off 17:30CET/16:30GMT).

Right-back Rafinha was out with the rest of the team on the training field, while utility man Juan Bernat is also in contention for a recall to the squad after displaying no ill-effects on his return from a muscular injury.

Read: Bayern's options without Jerome Boateng

With Jerome Boateng ruled out for several weeks, the return of two defenders will be just what Guardiola needs as he seeks to defend his team' eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table. Meanwhile, while Franck Ribery, Medhi Benatia and Mario Götze are all closing in on their comebacks.

Unfortunately for the Catalan tactician, the trio will all miss Bayern's 500th fixture at the Allianz Arena. Arjen Robben hopes to be involved in, however, and is confident of a second straight win in 2016. "It's up to us," said the Dutchman to FCB.tv. "We need to be well prepared. We've been able to train well for a week and we hope we've taken a step forward in that time."

Read: Bayern vs Hoffenheim preview