Created on 19-05-2009 at 00:00 AM
In just four days, the 2008-9 Bundesliga campaign comes to an end. After a full day off, the Bayern squad returned to the Säbener Strasse for training on Tuesday morning, beginning the build-up to Saturday’s last match of the season at home to VfB Stuttgart. Prior to what is being billed as the showdown for second place, coach Jupp Heynckes took charge of almost all the first team players.
Midfielder Hamit Altintop, who was able to resume jogging last week after rupturing a calf muscle, continued his recuperation programme on the practice ground. The Turkey international will still be restricted to jogging on Wednesday, but is likely to be fit for the full squad workout by Thursday.
Plaster off for Lell
Altintop is rated hopeful for the matchday squad against Stuttgart, as is Zé Roberto. The Brazilian has been nursing a muscular problem since last weekend’s draw with 1899 Hoffenheim and has pursued an individual fitness schedule since then. However, Zé is expected to join Hamit and the rest of the players on Thursday, and should be a contender for the crunch clash with Markus Babbel’s VfB side.
In the fifth and last match of his spell as caretaker boss, Heynckes will only definitely be without Michael Rensing (finger) and Christian Lell. The right-back is out of plaster and walking without crutches following an ankle injury, and is to resume light jogging on Wednesday.