Ribery to return for Bayern despite bad back

26 January 2012 15:17

German league leaders Bayern Munich are set to welcome back winger Franck Ribery for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg, despite the France star suffering with a bad back.

Ribery took part in training on Thursday despite complaining of back pains and was examined by team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, but is expected to play.

This will be Ribery's first league appearance since he was shown a red card in the win against Cologne before Christmas and his presence in the starting line-up against Wolfsburg will mean Munich are at full strength.

The hosts are looking to bounce back after their shock 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach last Friday.

Munich remain top of the league on goal difference, but level on 37 points with Schalke and Borussia Dortmund.

"Franck is very important for Bayern," said vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"For me, he is one of the five best players in the world, so it is very important that he is healthy.

"We're wide awake after the slip up against Moenchengladbach. We now need the required aggressiveness and determination."

Schweinsteiger is also expected to be fit after suffering with a slight knee problem at the start of the week.

Source: AFP