Thomas Muller speaks on the difficulty of filling in for the incomparable Robert Lewandowski when he's out of the Bayern lineup.
MUNICH -- Thomas Muller will make his comeback from injury for Bayern Munich against Hannover on Saturday, but Arjen Robben misses the Bundesliga game and faces an uphill battle to be fit for Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.
Muller, 28, suffered a thigh muscle injury in the 1-0 win at Hamburg on Oct. 21, which originally ruled him out for three weeks. Until his injury, the Germany international had provided an assist in each of Jupp Heynckes' opening three wins in charge since the 72-year-old's return for a fourth term.
"He has trained very well and will start," Heynckes told a news conference. "A comeback would perhaps have been possible against Borussia Monchengladbach, but Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt and I didn't want to take any risks. This week we have seen the 'old' Muller in training -- he is raring to go and we are very happy to have him back."
Arjen Robben also picked up a thigh muscle injury against Anderlecht in the Champions League on Nov. 23 and Heynckes is reluctant to rush him back into action.
"I don't want to make any predictions, perhaps he will be back training on Monday or Tuesday but it's going to be tight for PSG," he added. "Of course, he is eager to get back playing, but I would never risk anything with Arjen."
Arjen Robben is not yet ready to return for Bayern Munich but Thomas Muller is.
Meanwhile, James Rodriguez is available despite incurring concussion last weekend.
The Colombia international had to be substituted at half-time and did not know that Bayern were losing -- a game the German champions eventually lost 2-1, their first defeat after nine successive wins under Heynckes in all competitions.
"James wanted to train on Tuesday but got the red card from Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt. He had to sit out three days training but he is ready," Heynckes said.
Heynckes said that Robert Lewandowski would also be available despite not taking a full part in training this week.
The Poland captain has been training individually in a bid to get over his injury.
"Lewy has had a problem with his patella for a long time," he said. "I know that injury because I had it when I was playing. He has pretty much shaken it off but every now and again, he has to strengthen the muscle, which is why he was in the gym for two days. But he's 100 percent fit and will play."
Heynckes confirmed Thiago Alcantara, Manuel Neuer and Juan Bernat would all miss the game, but Rafinha is set to return to the squad, while the news was more positive on Franck Ribery and David Alaba.
Both are in no pain according to Heynckes, who said he would wait to see how the left-sided duo cope with training later on Friday.
"Ribery has trained very well, but we will wait and see how he reacts to training to see if he makes the squad or we wait until Tuesday against PSG," he said.
However, as he sees the injuries abate, Heynckes added: "That is pleasant news and we have many more options again."
Mark Lovell covers Bayern Munich for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @LovellLowdown.
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Source: espn.co.uk