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Yesterday, Sport Bild provided information on the extent of the injuries to Bayern Munich defenders Jerome Boateng and David Alaba. Boateng has an ailing back that was going to be treated with injections, while Alaba was being treated for bruised ribs.
Today, Boateng returned to team training, while Alaba worked out privately in the gym per the @FCBayernEN Twitter account. In addition, the tweet (embedded below) also indicated that Lucas Hernandez “continues to work out individually” as he tries to get his knee back to 100%. Hernandez has reportedly been battling pain/soreness in his right knee, which is the same knee he injured last season with Atlético Madrid.
ℹ️ Squad update:
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) October 3, 2019
▪ @JB17Official has returned to full team training after his muscle problems
▪ @David_Alaba sustained a heavy bruise to his ribs (not broken) and will complete a light session in the gym
▪ @LucasHernandez continues to work individually on his recovery pic.twitter.com/GizCHNqmRU
With Boateng already back, Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac likely will not have to dip into the reserve team to field a defensive unit this weekend against Hoffenheim. We could, however, see someone like Lars Lukas Mai or Chris Richards filling a spot on the bench if Alaba and/or Hernandez cannot play.
Boateng and Alaba sustained their injuries against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, while Hernandez was substituted out against SC Paderborn with pain in his knee.