Leaders keen to shake off rivals Hamburg
Brazilian pair Lucio and Zé Roberto, and Paraguay youngster Julio dos Santos, had yet to return from Wednesday evening's round of pre-World Cup friendlies as the Bundesliga leaders took to the practice ground for the penultimate session ahead of today's top of the table clash against Hamburg.
That means coach Felix Magath is set to pick from a full squad for the meeting with the club he represented so successfully as a player. Bayern's 11 internationals all returned from the midweek friendlies in good health.
In further positive news, Oliver Kahn has fully overcome a bruised thigh and will keep goal today, while Bixente Lizarazu also returns to contention after completing Thursday's session unscathed.
Lizarazu reckoned the weekend clash was an excellent opportunity to warm up for the do-or-die trip to Milan three days later.
"In terms of what's at stake, it'll be like a Champions League game for us," the 36-year-old remarked.
Victory over HSV would provide a strong boost to morale ahead of the European showdown, but would also finally extinguish Hamburg's final hopes of snatching the domestic title from under Bayern's noses.
"A win would have a decisive influence on the title race," Liza confirmed.
The Bavarians will be confident going into the fixture, as their opponents' shock 2-0 home defeat to Stuttgart last Sunday appears to have taken the wind out of the northerners' sales.
Furthermore, the visitors are without three of their most influential stars -- playmaker Stefan Beinlich (torn muscle), and towering defenders Raphael Wicky and skipper Daniel van Buyten (both suspended).
Ailton in contention
"Van Buyten is a very important player in Hamburg," Magath noted, although the Munich boss reckoned the side currently lying third were capable of covering for the big Belgian's absence.
"That won't knock Hamburg out of their stride."
Today's visitors are hoping for a return from winter signing Ailton.
The Brazilian striker, the Bundesliga's top marksman two seasons ago, trained on Thursday for the first time since breaking his jaw three weeks previously.
"We'll have to see how he feels. We're always good for a surprise," Hamburg boss Thomas Doll deadpanned.