Pep Guardiola was missing eight players with injury and illness for the away game in Hoffenheim, and there was a scare in the first half of Bayern’s 2-0 victory when Juan Bernat crumpled to the turf after a heavy challenge. The player required treatment and ultimately failed to reappear after half-time. However, Guardiola sounded the all-clear after the match: “We didn’t want to take any risks. I think he can play on Tuesday.”
That is when FC Bayern entertain FC Porto in the Champions League quarter-final return. The FCB coach is hopeful of welcoming back at least one of the absentees, Bastian Schweinsteiger. The vice-captain has been troubled by an ankle problem in the last two weeks and then picked up a dose of the flu. “Basti maybe. He’s in good health again,” Guardiola reported.
By contrast, there is only a slight chance that Franck Ribéry (ankle) might be fit enough to feature on Tuesday. “Let’s wait and see,” commented Guardiola, “but I think Franck can’t play.” It also remains to be seen whether Philipp Lahm can shake off a bout of gastroenteritis before the Porto clash. Arjen Robben, David Alaba, Mehdi Benatia, Javi Martínez and Tom Starke are all definitely out.
Topics of this article