Leon Goretzka and Jann-Fiete Arp ruled out of Paderborn clash

In a press conference ahead of this weekend’s matchday against Paderborn, Niko Kovač gave the good and bad news about Bayern Munich’s squad situation (Bayern.com). The good news is that David Alaba has returned to full team training and will be available on Saturday, although it not certain that he will start. Kovač said,

That means it’s looking good, but we must see how it works out tomorrow.

The bad news is that Kovač won’t be able to count on Fiete Arp or Leon Goretzka. Fresh after recovering from a sickness that sidelined him, Arp suffered a scaphoid fracture (Bild) in his wrist in training and requires surgery. No return-day yet. Kovac said,

We’ll have to wait for the medical unit to predict when he’ll be able to complete the full programme again.

Leon Goretzka is still recovering from his own surgery and will take about a month to get back to full training. Kovac said,

He still needs some time. I think he won’t be fully available until after the next international break.

Kovač also commented on the game itself and warned the players that every team, including Paderborn, is dangerous to Bayern:

All our opponents give it at least 100 percent against us, so we too must put in 100 percent, otherwise it’ll be difficult. Paderborn are compact, they want to play positive football, and they have very quick players at turnovers.