Bayern Munich coach, Niko Kovac has confirmed that both David Alaba and Kingsley Coman are ready to return for Bayern Munich’s crunch Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Both players missed the convincing Bundesliga victories over Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg but are back in training this week.
Joshua Kimmich’s suspension for the second leg of the last-16 tie, which ended at 0-0 after the first meeting at Anfield, makes 26-year-old Alaba’s availability particularly timely.
Rafinha has deputised on the left side of defence in the Austria international’s absence but can now revert to a more natural right-back role.
Coman, who overcame an ankle scare to play 81 minutes of the goalless draw in last month’s first leg, has been a key figure under Kovac when fit but is not guaranteed to start at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern’s form has improved dramatically in recent weeks, with a run of five straight Bundesliga victories lifting them to the top of the table and easing the scrutiny on Kovac’s position.
The former Croatia coach could be under pressure again if he fails to guide the club into the Champions League quarter-finals, though he insists such expectations are nothing new.