Javi Martinez set for long-awaited Bayern comeback
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Spanish international Javi Martinez could make his Bayern Munich comeback in Saturday's Bavarian derby at home to Augsburg after missing more than a year due to a serious knee injury. Martinez, who can operate in both central defence and midfield, has missed all but one game for Bayern since rupturing knee ligaments in the German SuperCup defeat to Borussia Dortmund last August.
"His knee is perfect," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said at Friday's press conference. "He is sharp and has trained well. Javi is a warrior, he has no fear and absolutely wants to play."
Martinez, 27, is expected to be named on the bench for Saturday's match at the Allianz Arena where Bayern will be bidding to make it a perfect start to the season with four wins from four.
"He still needs time but he is delighted (to be part of the squad again) and so am I," added Guardiola, who goes into the weekend without injured central defenders Mehdi Benatia and Holger Badstuber as well as Dante after the Brazilian joined Wolfsburg at the end of last month.
Guardiola also confirmed 19-year-old Kingsley Coman, who joined Bayern on a two-year loan from Juventus last month, would be included in Saturday's match plans. Following this weekend's visit of Augsburg, Bayern begin their European campaign with a trip to Greek side Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday.