David Alaba could be in line for an early return for Bayern Munich as Niko Kovac provides a positive update on the full-back recovery process.
Bayern Munich rounded off the week a good week with a comfortable 4-0 victory against FC Cologne on Saturday. The Bundesliga champions will enjoy the Oktoberfest, before travelling away to play Paderborn next weekend.
Die Roten were sound defensively against FC Cologne despite playing with a different combination in defense. Niko Kovac made changes to back four, bringing Jerome Boateng back into the lineup. The Croatian had to make changes in defense due to the injury to David Alaba.
Alaba suffered a muscle injury during the warm session in the game against RB Leipzig. The Austrian was feared to be out for several weeks, but his return to training this week has squashed those claims.
Speaking to media after the game (via Bild), Kovac gave a positive update on Alaba’s recovery process. The Croatian is optimistic about his return for the Champions League game against Tottenham Hotspurs. However, Kovac ruled out the chances of him featuring against Paderborn.
"“David is making very good progress. We hope he can compete against Tottenham.”“We now have to increase the intensity daily before he can start team training. The game against Paderborn comes a bit too early.”"
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In Alaba’s absence, Kovac has been using Lucas Hernandez in the left-back position. The Frenchman has done well in this position, but Alaba is much more dynamic in the final third. Moreover, Alaba also has the knack of scoring free-kicks. He is a vital member of the starting eleven, so Bayern should avoid him rushing back from this injury.
Bayern struggled with serious injuries in the past few seasons. Corentin Tolisso missed the entire last season due to a serious knee injury. Kingsley Coman and Manuel Neuer missed the major part of 2017/18 season. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery also spent time on sidelines during the knock-out CL games in last few years.
These injuries to key players have often led to setbacks for Die Roten in European competition. Key players have regularly missed important knockout games of the Champions League in the past few seasons. Kovac will need every player in his squad to challenge for all trophies this season.
Apart from Alaba, Leon Goretzka is the other Bayern player that is currently on sidelines. The German midfielder has been struggling with a thigh injury since the start of this season. He returned to action against Mainz but went on to suffer a similar injury during the international break. Goretzka is expected to be back in a few weeks, as he underwent surgery immediately after the international break.