Munich (dpa) – Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is to remain sidelined this week but winger Douglas Costa is targeting a comeback from injury in Friday’s Bundesliga match at Schalke.
«I’m on a good path,» Boateng said in Kicker magazine Monday but added this week would be «completely running and build-up work» for him in training.
The 28-year-old Germany international Boateng suffered a torn muscle at Euro 2016 and has not been able to play since. However, he said he «definitely» would make a return to competitive action in September.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Costa is recovering from a thigh problem and could be fit enough to play on Friday.
«I am on the home stretch and have continuously been increasing the workload,» he told Kicker. «I feel good but I am not yet 100 per cent fit. From this moment on it is the coach’s decision. I’ll give everything that I’m an option for Schalke.»
Bayern opened the defence of their Bundesliga title with a convincing 6-0 win over Werder Bremen but are likely to face a stiffer test against Schalke in Gelsenkirchen on the second match-day.
