Flu victims making promising progress

FCBayernNews · News fetcher Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 1328 votes: 2

09.11.2006

Two days ahead of Bayern's next Bundesliga fixture away to Bayer Leverkusen, the injury and illness situation at the club has improved a little compared to midweek. A 45-minute run on Thursday morning included Roy Makaay, Claudio Pizarro and Philipp Lahm, all of whom featured in the team against bottom club Hanover 96 the day before despite complaining of flu symptoms.

"I'm hoping to be completely better by Saturday, so I can give it the full 100 percent," Makaay declared after Wednesday's match. The Dutch ace lasted 73 minutes, "but then I was running on empty,", he commented. Both he and Pizarro were considered doubtful until the afternoon of the match. Roque Santa Cruz replaced the Netherlands international for the last quarter of an hour. "Roy Makaay wanted to come off because he had nothing left to give," coach Felix Magath explained.

High hopes of Sagnol

The flu-ridden trio are expected to be fit again for the Bayer clash, along with Willy Sagnol, who was rested against Hanover with a niggling knee injury. However, Magath is counting on the 29-year-old World Cup runner-up at the BayArena: "I'm assuming he'll be available for selection in Leverkusen."

Brazil centre-half Lucio remains out of contention despite joining the run on Thursday, as his injured ankle ligaments are not yet sufficiently healed for squad training. Both Sebastian Deisler, who rejoined the squad programme four weeks ago, and Andreas Görlitz, now with seven reserve appearances under his belt, are highly unlikely to be named in the matchday squad at this stage.