Bayern Munich have been boosted by the return of Xabi Alonso to training after the veteran midfielder hobbled out of Monday’s session.
The Spaniard limped out of the practice after a tackle from Javi Martinez meant he was unable to continue.
Despite the serious looking knock, Alonso returned to action a day later with his side putting the finishing touches to preparations for Arsenal.
The club said Alonso’s withdrawal on Monday was purely precautionary despite the classy midfielder sitting on the turf in visible discomfort.
Carlo Ancelotti now has the luxury of being able to pick Alonso against Arsenal when the Gunners take the trip to Bavaria on Wednesday night.
Bayern sit on top of the Bundesliga but the Champions League last 16 clash should offer a different level of intensity and opposition.
Alonso is retiring at the end of the season but would dearly love to cap his stellar career with Europe’s most coveted club prize.
Bayern are without both Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng so Carlo Ancelotti does not have the benefit of a full strength squad to choose from, making Alonso’s recovery all the more timely.
Ancelotti’s star-studded team have history on their side when it comes to facing the North London visitors, having knocked them out twice in the last four seasons.
The Italian will be looking to keep up the momentum from recent weeks, having claimed victory in 9 of Bayern’s previous 10 games.
Globalgists 