Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Bastian Schweinsteiger could make his long-awaited return to action in this weekend's Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim.
The Germany international has been struggling with a knee problem since helping his country to victory in July's World Cup final against Argentina.
However, Schweinsteiger returned to training a fortnight ago and Guardiola revealed on Friday that the midfielder is finally available for selection again.
"It’s good news," the Catalan coach enthused on the eve of the meeting with Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena. "He's fit and he can help us a lot."
Indeed, Schweinsteiger's return is a timely one for Bayern, with captain Philipp Lahm having been ruled out for three months after fracturing his ankle in training earlier this week.
Lahm joins centre-back Holger Badstuber, full-back David Alaba and fellow midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez on the sidelines, meaning Bayern's squad is stretched to breaking point at the moment.
However, Guardiola says that there is no point in Bayern feeling sorry for themselves, arguing that they simply have to work with what they have got until the winter break.
“We mustn’t go looking for excuses," the former Barcelona boss stated. "we need to keep going and find solutions, ways to compensate for the missing players.
“We still have six Bundesliga and two Champions League matches before Christmas. It’s an important period and we can take another step forward."
Bayern go into Saturday's game against Hoffenheim four points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga standings, while they have already booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League ahead of next week's trip to Manchester City.
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