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UPDATE: 11:10AM EST
Per a report on FCBayern.com, it looks like Mats Hummels will likely sit out this weekend as a precaution to have him ready for the DFB-Pokal match next Wednesday against Werder Bremen.
Since Niklas Süle will be banned from the cup, the coach does not want to take any risks with Mats Hummels. The central defender was able to run after his strain from the Düsseldorf game again and “feels good so far, but if there is still a residual risk, he will not play”. Besides the 30-year-old, James Rodríguez is also questionable for the home game on Saturday. The Colombian has “problems with the adductor”, both have to wait for the final training.
On the bright side Corentin Tolisso, might actually be able to be included on the game day roster.
The 24-year-old is back in training after his cruciate ligament rupture and “dares to be in the squad”. Whether the Frenchman will actually sit on the bench in the Allianz Arena “depends on the players who are in trouble,” explained Kovac.
Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac addressed the media this morning and provided updates on some of his key players as they work through various ailments.
- Mats Hummels has made great progress in recovering from a pulled muscle as yesterday he did some running and today progressed to dribbling and passing drills.
- Arjen Robben continues to work toward a return, but is still not ready.
- James Rodriguez experienced some adductor issues today, which would put his availability for the weekend’s match against Werder Bremen in question.
- Manuel Neuer, of course, is out with a calf injury.
ℹ Niko #Kovac zum Personal: "@MatsHummels ist gelaufen und fühlt sich soweit gut. Wir werden sehen, wie es sich morgen ergibt, aber kein Risiko eingehen. @jamesdrodriguez hat Probleme am Adduktor. Bis auf @ArjenRobben sind alle wohlauf. "#FCBayern #FCBSVW pic.twitter.com/YxTqFZGQW7
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) April 18, 2019
Niko #Kovac to staff: “@MatsHummels trained and feels good so far. We’ll see how the results tomorrow, but won’t take any chances. @jamesdrodriguez had adductor problems. Except for @ArjenRobben all, everyone is well.”
Per Bild, Hummels worked out on his own, but his activity was more soccer based than physical today:
Mats Hummels (30) is currently missing in the team training. Reason: a strain in the right, back thigh. On Wednesday he was able to complete only one running unit, on Thursday the intensity was higher. The rehabilitation program for the center back includes: running, coordination training, and passing and dribbling exercises.