Benatia resumes team training
The injury situation at Bayern is continuing to improve, with Mehdi Benatia the latest player to resume the squad training programme. The Morocco captain has been struggling with back problems since the beginning of the year and has mainly been restricted to solo workouts so far, but rejoined his team-mates on Wednesday morning. "Seeing the group training and not being able to join in hasn't been easy," Benatia told FCB.tv, "but now I'm delighted to be back." The only players still unavailable at the present time are long-term absentees Philipp Lahm, Javi Martínez and Thiago.
Neuer at Giorgio Armani Fashion Show
Germany's World Cup winners are highly sought after in the Italian fashion scene at the moment. On Tuesday Manuel Neuer had a front row seat at a prestigious Giorgio Armani show where he witnessed the unveiling of the Milan star designer's autumn/winter 2015/16 collection. The world's best keeper wore a smart leisure outfit taken from his host's current range. As of this season, Giorgio Armani is the official formal suit supplier to the FC Bayern players.
Shakhtar still winless
Just like Bayern, the Reds' Champions League Round of 16 opponents Shakhtar Donetsk are currently in mid-season training in preparation for the second half of the 2014/15 campaign. The Ukrainian champions have contested two friendly matches as part of their training camp in Brazil, losing 3-2 to relegated EC Bahia, and playing out a goalless draw with big hitters Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro. Coach Mircea Lucescu's men have three more warm-up games over the net few days when they meet Atlético Mineiro, SC Internacional of Porto Alegre and Cruzeiro Belo. The first leg of FCB's European tie against Shakhtar is on 17 February.