Arjen Robben is in line for his first Bayern Munich start since March in the Bundesliga game against Cologne on Saturday.
Robben, 32, hasn’t featured in the Bayern starting XI since the goalless draw in Dortmund almost seven months ago, but Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti said at a news conference that the Netherlands skipper’s “condition is improving all the time. He’s ready and will start on Saturday.”
Asked about Robben’s contract, which expires next year, Ancelotti added: “Robben is an important player for us. He’s had a fantastic career. If he wants to stay, there shouldn’t be a problem, but there is plenty of time for talks.”
Ancelotti plans to rotate his side for the visit of the unbeaten Rhinelanders after only arriving back in Munich on Thursday following the 1-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid.
“We will change some players,” he said. “We need a fresh team to play with high intensity. It’s difficult playing every three days.”
“Ribery didn’t train today but he’s just tired,” Ancelotti said. “Thiago picked up a knock in Madrid but he trained today and is fine.”Bayern have a clean bill of health after Friday’s training session, with only slight concerns over midfielders Thiago and Franck Ribery.
A new pitch is being laid in time for the top-of-the-table clash against Cologne after complaints from the players in recent weeks, leading Ancelotti to joke: “I’m a little worried. Our best performance this season came against Hertha Berlin and the pitch was terrible.”
Bayern will visit Oktoberfest on Sunday, and Ancelotti is planning to celebrate should they arrive having won a sixth consecutive Bundesliga game.
“If we pick up three points against Cologne, I’ll try three beers — perhaps even four,” he said.
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