By
As Bayern Munich gear up for their crucial UEFA Champions League play-off against Celtic FC tonight at Celtic Park, the Bavarian giants have both good and bad news on the player fitness front.
The training ground at Sabener Strasse on Monday was busy with activity as Bayern prepared for the high-stakes encounter.
According to reliable sources, full-back Alphonso Davies and midfielder Joao Palhinha will miss the trip to Glasgow.
Davies has been limited to individual training sessions, and Palhinha continues to recover from an illness that sidelined him during Bayern's recent 3-0 victory over Bremen.
On a brighter note, Hiroki Ito, who joined Bayern from VfB Stuttgart for an estimated 30 million euros last summer, has been making strides in his recovery from a metatarsal fracture.
The 25-year-old Japanese defender participated in squad training but his participation in the match remains uncertain.
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and central defender Kim Min-Jae, who were rested following the Bremen match, returned to full team training.
Both players are anticipated to be in the starting lineup against Celtic, adding strength and experience to Bayern's backline.
The absence of key players like Davies and Palhinha could be felt, but Bayern teams have shown resilience in the past, often rising to the occasion when it matters most.
This match promises to be a test of depth and determination for the Bundesliga leaders as they aim to progress in Europe's elite club competition.
