The day after the crazy cup tie against Heidenheim, most of the players were working on recovery, “all the others have trained as usual,” explained Niko Kovac in a session with the press on Thursday. David Alaba was also on the training ground after having missed recent matches with a muscle problem. “It looked good. I’m assuming he’ll be available,” said the coach in assessing the chances of the Austrian taking part in the top game against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
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Manuel Neuer is in a similar position having returned to training after recovering from a calf problem. “He was put through tests and everything looks okay,” said Kovac optimistically but it is a case of waiting to see what happens in full training on Friday. There were no other injury problems after the cup tie.
James Rodriguez, who complained of a groin problem during the game, was “okay again” and the off-colour Robert Lewandowski “is better” according to the boss. Both are available for Saturday. Definitely sidelined are Alphonso Davies and Arjen Robben who completed individual sessions on Thursday.
One-game DFB Cup ban for Süle
Niklas Süle has been banned for one game after being sent off in the DFB cup quarter-final. That was announced by the DFB sports tribunal on Thursday. That means the central defender will miss the semi-final (draw on Saturday night). The 23-year-old will be available for a possible final in Berlin (25 May).
