In the build-up to Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away to FC Porto, the injury and selection situation at Bayern remains a cause for concern as it was revealed that hopes of a return for Bastian Schweinsteiger and Franck Ribéry have been dashed. The vice-captain has been unable to shake a stubborn viral infection and the French winger continues to be troubled by a painful ankle injury. Neither player will travel to Portugal, meaning both are definitely out of the big European clash.
“It’s a real shame but Bastian and Franck can’t come with us,” sporting director Matthias Sammer confirmed at a press conference on Monday. However, Jérôme Boateng returns to the squad after sitting out the weekend Bundesliga fixture as a precaution, and Claudio Pizarro will also make the trip. “Pep will now decide whether to take along another of our young players,” Sammer reported.
More build-up news in the course of the afternoon...
