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According to Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac, David Alaba and Manuel Neuer worked out today and the coach is “optimistic” about the duo’s chances for playing in Saturday’s Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund.
Alaba, who has been battling a “muscular injury,” trained with the team today, while Neuer underwent tests on his calf injury. As reported by the @FCBayernEN Twitter account, Kovac sounded positive on the status of both players.
️ #Kovac: "@David_Alaba trained with the team today, so I assume he is ready to play this weekend. @Manuel_Neuer did a test and everything looked okay. We will see in tomorrow's session how he copes. I am very optimistic." #FCBBVB #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/IJMrW4YKPE
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 4, 2019
Alaba’s presence in the lineup would be vital against Dortmund’s pacey and fearless attacking unit. With his ability to contribute on offense as well, Alaba could be one of the key components for Kovac as Bayern prepares to square off with Lucien Favre’s dangerous squad. Should Alaba still be sidelined for Saturday, it can be assumed that Rafinha would be the left-back.
Neuer, meanwhile, seems like his situation could still go either way. The veteran goalkeeper suffered a calf injury before last weekend’s draw against SC Freiburg and would seemingly need to be a full participant in training tomorrow to be considered a “sure thing” to play against Borussia Dortmund. If Neuer cannot go, Sven Ulreich would get the call to line up between the sticks.