Robben out for Bayern but Ribery to return

Posted Saturday, August 13, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Arjen Robben has been ruled of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match at Wolfsburg on Saturday because of a back problem.

The 27-year-old winger withdrew after an intensive training session with Bayern fitness coach Thomas Wilhelmi on Friday.

Robben had returned early to the club following the cancellation of the Netherlands’ friendly with England, but was unable to train Wednesday afternoon and restricted to limited training on Thursday.

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said Robben complained of back pains that affected his hip muscles.

Even without Robben, Heynckes has called for a reaction from his players following Bayern’s surprising 1-0 home defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach on the opening weekend.

“I’ve always drawn my biggest motivation after defeats, both as a player and as a manager,” Heynckes said. “We have to show a positive reaction in Wolfsburg.”

Bayern winger Franck Ribery says he is “feeling good” after recovering from the ankle injury that kept him out of France’s 1-1 draw with Chile.

“What I need now is playing time so I pick up the rhythm again,” Ribery said.

Bayern hosts Zurich in the first leg of its Champions League playoff Wednesday.