Toni resumes squad training programme

Luca Toni is back: the Italian hitman completed the FCB team training drills for the first time in four and a half weeks on Monday. The Bayern striker has finally shaken off a persistent Achilles injury, and also a recent bout of gastroenteritis. "I'm feeling good," Toni told FCB.tv after an hour and a half on the practice ground. "I'm just delighted I'm finally back in training with the team."

Jürgen Klinsmann was equally pleased, saying his initial impression of Toni was "very, very positive. It's obvious he's worked extremely hard in Bologna and that the week away has done him good," the FCB coach remarked. The striker went to Bologna with rehab coach Thomas Wilhelmi for a spell of intensive regeneration and recovery work. "He's not feeling any more pain," Klinsmann reported on Monday.

Klinsmann relying on Toni

But will the goal-getter be fit in time for Saturday's crunch trip to Wolfsburg? "Yes," Toni told fcbayern.de. Klinsmann was also "very confident" the Italian would feature in the game. "This is a crucial match in the battle for the title. We definitely want him with us," the boss said, describing Toni as "a very, very important component" in the Bavarians' tactical plan. "He's the kind of player who makes a difference. He has physical presence, mental strength and a nose for goal."