Boateng possible for Saturday, Martínez is ready

On Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET), Bayern are travelling to Berlin’s Olympic stadium to take on Hertha BSC. Some of the main talking points include a possible return from Jérôme Boateng and Javi Martínez’ good form.

Since the beginning of the week, centre-back Jérôme Boateng is back in full training with the first team. Coach Pep Guardiola might include the 27-year old in the squad as early as Saturday. Bayern are travelling to take on Hertha BSC in the capital, Boateng’s place of birth. Whether he actually ends up playing or not, getting a bit of a taste of Bundesliga action after over three months could prove valuable for the German international going into the Champions League semifinal.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge weighed in on the likelihood of a comeback himself: “Surely he will need one or the other training session this week. But it is good and important that he is back in time for the decisive stage of the season”.

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In the pre-game interview of the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Werder Bremen in the ARD, Jérôme Boateng himself noted that his personal plan is a return to the pitch in the away game in Madrid. One problem that remains is the obvious lack of playing time in recent months. A possible comeback against Alético looks juicy but also provides a certain amount of risk for Guardiola. Rummenigge is excited as well: “I do not know what the coach plans with Jérôme”.

Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller are the ones advocating for a controlled and slower comeback in their own interviews. “We must not take such a big risk and slowly introduce him back into the team”, says Neuer.

World Cup winning colleague Müller agrees that “Jérôme is a quality player, but we have to give the players time. They are supposed to stay healthy in the long-run”.

Javi Martínez is ready

One player that has fully recovered and slowly but surely regains his excellent form is Javi Martínez. At the end of January, the Spaniard missed about two months through a knee injury.

“I feel very good, recovered well and am ready for this important phase.”

Ever since arriving in Munich back in 2012, the former Athletic Bilbao defensive specialist has turned out to be a pivotal player for the big stage. That is assuming he is not bugged by one of his injuries as he sadly is so often.
Javi is very much looking forward to the return of his defensive partner Boateng as well: “We need all players. Jérôme returns now, he is very important. Luckily, we have fewer injuries than last season.”

Hertha to rest players

Saturday’s opponent Hertha BSC are looking to insert some fresh blood into their lineup following Wednesday’s 0:3 cup loss to Borussia Dortmund. Coach Pal Dardai notes: “We will try to get our team fresh and will rotate.”

According to fcb.de, Valentin Stocker, Peter Pekarik and Tolga Cigerci will be included in the team, while goalkeeper Rune Jarstein and centre-back John Anthony Brooks are questionable following their respective absences in Thursday’s training session. Jarstein missing the game would most likely mean a return for former Bayern keeper Thomas Kraft against his old club.

CREDIT TO:http://www.bayerncentral.com/2016/04/boateng-possible-saturday-martinez-ready/