Benatia Leaves Training with Back Issues; Bernat, Götze, Pizarro Sit Out

Mehdi Benatia left Bayern Munich's second training in Doha, Qatar after 40 minutes due to back issues, the club announced on Saturday. The decision was supposedly a precautionary measure.

"It is not bad," Pep Guardiola told the club website. "I think he can train again tomorrow."

Benatia sat out Bayern's final Rückrunde match with a groin issue, and had back and calf problems earlier this season, according to kicker. He struggled with his fitness upon his transfer from AS Roma at the end of August, not making an appearance until Bayern's first Champion's League match against Manchester City in mid-September.

Claudio Pizarro missed the morning session completely due to continued calf problems, ones he dealt with for most of the Hinrunde. He trained individually, along with David Alaba and Javi Martínez, but returned for the afternoon session. Mario Götze and Juan Bernat both sat out due to illness.

Bayern's first friendly will be on Monday, January 13, when they take on the Qatar All-Stars in Doha.