Magath still pondering line-up for Aachen clash

FCBayernNews · News fetcher Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 1361 votes: 2

21.09.2006

Roque Santa Cruz headed for the dressing room after Thursday training with his lower left leg wrapped in bandages, so is the Paraguay striker a doubt for Bayern's must-win home fixture against promoted Alemannia Aachen on Saturday?

Not at all, Felix Magath later reported. "It's not something we need worry about," the head coach confirmed. Lukas Podolski will also be available for selection despite breaking off training on Wednesday. "He came through today's session fine, it wasn't a serious injury," Magath confirmed.

Change of tactics in store?

Podolski injured a shoulder during the Wednesday workout and reported to the medical unit, but the diagnosis was nothing more than a minor strain. "It's no reason for him not to play," the coach explained.

Magath must once again perm a forward line from an embarrassment of attacking riches for the weekend fixture, although the 53-year-old would neither confirm nor deny his intention to continue with the three-man front line seen against Moscow and Bielefeld. The reason for a potential change is the absence of Owen Hargreaves.

Makaay an option

"If Owen wasn't injured, we'd certainly have played with three up front, but his absence could mean I field an extra midfielder," Magath revealed. Martin Demichelis and Andreas Ottl are the candidates to take over from the England man.

One of the two or three strikers could be Roy Makaay, praised by the boss for impressive recent performances in training. "He's in great condition and knows all about scoring goals. He's showing me he wants his place in the team back," the coach commented. Makaay was dropped against Bielefeld and Moscow after being substituted at half-time in the Cup tie against St Pauli, but the Dutch goal-getter is confident of returning on Saturday. "That's what I'm assuming," the player declared.