Hoffenheim team news: Boateng fit, Hernández out, Alaba doubtful

What a week it's been for FC Bayern! After going top of the Bundesliga last weekend with a 3-2 win at Paderborn, the German record champions followed that up with a sensational 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening. The Munich men will now be looking to take the momentum from that into Saturday's Bundesliga match at home to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (kick-off 15:30 CEST).

Before the match, there was good news about Jérôme Boateng, who returned to full training on Thursday having shaken off his muscular problem. "He's feeling a lot better than he was during the game, when he had some strong pain," explained Kovač. There's therefore no reason he can't be involved at the weekend.

It was also positive regarding David Alaba. Like Boateng, the Austrian was forced off early in London but his injury turned out to only be strong and painful rib bruising, and not a break. "Nothing happened - thank God!" said the Bayern boss.

Alaba completed some light training in the performance centre on Thursday, but whether he'll be fit in time for Hoffenheim is doubtful. "He has difficulty breathing," revealed Kovač. "He's basically ready, as he's signalled to us, but we have to consider how much sense it makes from a medical point of view."

Finally, Lucas Hernández is still recovering from a knock to his knee and will not be available for Saturday's match. "We're pleased with Lucas but not pleased enough for him to feature on Saturday," said the 47-year-old. Fiete Arp (wrist) and Leon Goretzka (thigh) will also miss out again, although according to Kovač, the latter is "on the road to recovery" and will step up his intensity in training next week.