Ribery to return for Bayern Munich

BERLIN - Agence France-Presse

Franck Ribery will make his first league appearance since he was shown a red card in the win against Cologne before Christmas.

German league leader Bayern Munich is set to welcome back winger Franck Ribery for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg, despite the France star suffering with a bad back.

Ribery took part in training yesterday despite complaining of back pains and was examined by team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, but is expected to play.

This will be Ribery’s first league appearance since he was shown a red card in the win against Cologne before Christmas and his presence in the starting line-up against Wolfsburg will mean Munich is at full strength.

The host is looking to bounce back after a shock 3-1 defeat at Borussia last Friday. Munich remains top of the league on goal difference, but levels on 37 points with Schalke and Borussia Dortmund.

“Franck is very important for Bayern,” said vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger. “For me, he is one of the five best players in the world, so it is very important that he is healthy.”

Schweinsteiger is also expected to be fit after suffering with a slight knee problem at the start of the week.