Bayern Munich superstars make large strides in return from injury

Compared to previous seasons, Bayern Munich's injury issues this year have been relatively light. That doesn't mean they still haven't been a major nuisance as this team seeks to set up a new play style built around their midfield core of Arturo Vidal, Xabi Alonso, and Thiago. And with two of it's best players in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery still sidelined with injury, we've probably yet to see the team's true capability.

Luckily we aren't going to have to wait much longer as Pep Guardiola confirmed Robben should rejoin the squad this weekend for their Saturday match against FC Köln.The Dutchman has been missing for nearly two months after sustaining an adductor injury on international duty with the Netherlands in early September. His return along with Kingsley Coman (who picked up a minor injury with France last week) should spell a welcome sigh of relief for Guardiola as he now has an attacking corps with depth; a problem he's had to cope with since the loss of Mario Götze.

On the flipside, Franck Ribery's return will be a little longer coming but the dynamic winger started ball work this week in addition to more sustained running practice. Ribery has been out since March with a mysterious ailment and his return could take some time as it is, with Guardiola noting it could be sometime this calendar year or even next.

With Robben returned to the fold, this just leaves the aforementioned Mehdi Benatia and Sebastian Rode as the lone injured parties alongside Ribery and the aforementioned Mario Götze.