Created on 05-05-2014 at 15:30 PM
Holger Badstuber successfully managed part of the squad training programme on 1 May, and the FCB youth product has now taken another significant step towards a long yearned-for comeback: for the first time since twice rupturing a cruciate ligament, the former Germany international has completed a full team training session. Some 500 spectators watched on Monday lunchtime as Badstuber played passes, launched into tackles and shouted instructions. After almost two hours on the practice ground, there was a broad smile on the player’s face as he headed for the dressing room.
Badstuber played his part in an energetic and committed workout as the Bayern stars returned from a day off on Sunday to begin preparing for the final Bundesliga fixture of the campaign at home to VfB Stuttgart on Saturday and the DFB Cup final against Borussia Dortmund two weeks from now. “Training is always very intense when we don’t have a midweek match,” Toni Kroos informed FCB.tv after the energy-sapping session.
The Allianz Arena clash with VfB was a chance to warm up for Berlin and ensure FCB travel to the capital “with a good feeling,” Kroos reported. Last Saturday’s 4-1 win away to Hamburg had restored morale and belief, the midfielder continued: “The cup final is now the highlight of our season. We’re absolutely determined to bring home the trophy.”