Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 9y

Lahm back, Ribery set to miss Bayern Munich-Porto UCL decider - Guardiola

Bayern Munich are set to be without Franck Ribery as they try to overcome their 3-1 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg defeat against Porto in Tuesday's decider.

Pep Guardiola told his pregame press conference on Monday that he will decide his starting XI for the Allianz Arena second-leg clash at "the last minute."

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm are set to return to the squad to increase the Catalan coach's options, but the Bundesliga leaders are currently without Javi Martinez, David Alaba and Arjen Robben.

"In the last few weeks, I have always made last-minute decisions," Guardiola said in Munich. "I don't know what it will be tomorrow. Phillip Lahm returns, and Bastian Schweinsteiger can train with us for the first time in weeks. That is the good news."

The former Barcelona coach was less confident about the return of winger Ribery, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Bayern beat Shakthar Donetsk 7-0 on March 11.

"I will talk to the doctor today," Guardiola said, not revealing whether he meant the new club doctor Volker Braun or Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, who vacated the role last Thursday after 38 years at Bayern.

Ribery will continue to receive treatment from Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt, who is working with the German national side as well as six-time Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt. Bayern and Germany No. 1 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will also seek out the 72-year-old's services.

In any case, Guardiola believes only a miracle could lead to Ribery returning to the squad, saying: "I don't have the feeling that he can play. He's been out for a long time, but maybe something happens today, and maybe he can play."

Bayern suffered a damaging defeat at the Estadio do Dragao in the first leg, with three defensive errors turning the tie in Porto's favour.

"It was a shame, but it was also our mistake," Guardiola said. The coach has never been eliminated from the competition at such an early stage, but is confident that Bayern can recover to reach the semifinals.

"We can reach the next stage of this competition," he continued. "You need to go through those situations to have the honour to play the final. Both sides will have their chances.

"We need to play well. And if we don't do that, we'll not get a good result. We need to be courageous. Of course, Porto are great side with a lot of quality. But we'll try and dominate the match.

"We need to take more risks tomorrow to overcome the deficit. I am optimistic, but also realistic. A 3-1 [deficit] is not that easy."

Also speaking to the press, Bayern forward Thomas Muller thinks that the match will "be no stroll."

The Germany international said: "We are backs-against-the-wall a bit, but it's a good challenge. A 2-0 [win] would be no wonder of the world. We need two goals minimum.

"We need to remain calm and avoid counter attacks. We'll still have our chances if it's goalless at half-time."

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm added: "It's not the best starting position, but it's not impossible. We have 90 minutes. We don't need to score in the first 10 minutes. We shall not panic, and we have to control the match."

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