Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 8y

Jerome Boateng back for Bayern Munich vs. Hertha Berlin - Ancelotti

Jerome Boateng will return to the Bayern Munich starting lineup and Philipp Lahm, David Alaba and Mats Hummels have all been passed fit for the clash with second-placed Hertha Berlin on Wednesday.

Berlin-born Boateng, a former Hertha player, made his comeback from injury with a seven-minute cameo against Ingolstadt on Saturday -- his first appearance since tearing a muscle in Germany's Euro 2016 semifinal defeat to France over two months ago.

"Boateng is in good condition. After training very well the past few days, he will start," Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti said at the news conference ahead of the top-of-the-table-clash.

Lahm and Alaba both missed the 3-1 home win over Ingolstadt at the weekend with a stomach bug, while Hummels also didn't feature because of a bad cold.

But Ancelotti confirmed that the defensive trio were available and also praised his medical staff for their efforts in combating the recent virus.

"Lahm, Alaba and Hummels all trained today and are ready. But I'll choose the lineup on Wednesday," he said.

"Our club doctors and physio have done a great job combating the virus."

Despite his players returning from illness, Ancelotti is happy to continue with his principle of rotation in his star-studded squad.

"Boateng will start with [Javi] Martinez because Hummels had some problems and he'll be on the bench.

"Hummels will play the next game and one of the others will rest. We are very lucky to have three fantastic central defenders and want to keep them all fresh."

Arjen Robben has also played a full part in training as Bayern prepare for the visit of their nearest challengers from the capital.

Robben hasn't played since aggravating a groin problem in Bayern's opening preseason friendly in Lippstadt over two months ago.

But the Netherlands skipper, 32, is in line to return on Wednesday.

"Robben is ready," Ancelotti said. "He'll be on the bench, but will come on for the second half or for the final 30 minutes."

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