Robben on the bench for Bayern

Dutch winger Arjen Robben will be on the bench for Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga clash with Borussia Moenchengaldbach on Friday night and looks set to make his first appearance for four weeks.

The 25-year-old had minor surgery on his knee at the start of October and Bayern coach Louis van Gaal is hoping to give him some game time as the German giants look to close the six-point gap behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Robben resumed squad training on Monday and van Gaal knows he has a genuine ace up his sleeve: Robben’s three goals in the league make him a considerable threat from the bench.

“I think Arjen Robben might be able to manage a few minutes against Moenchengladbach,” said Van Gaal with his side now fourth in the league.

Van Gaal is expected to name an unchanged side from the team which beat Hanover 3-0 in the league last Sunday and also Israeli side Maccabi Haifa 1-0 in the Champions League last week.

That would mean another start for Germany striker Mario Gomez, currently Bayern’s leading scorer with five goals, but he warning his team-mates to be patient against ‘Gladbach who are currently 12th in the league.

“It?ll be a very difficult match,” he said.

“There?s no way ‘Gladbach will go hell for leather for a goal, they?ll start by trying to secure a point.

“We?ll need to be very patient.”

Bayern will still be without Franck Ribery, as the France star has been plagued by a knee problem for the last two months, but recent signs have been altogether more positive.

“It?s going very well for Franck,” said van Gaal.

“He has no pain any more, which is significant.

“He can run as much as he likes, and he?s training very hard.

“He?s already had the ball at his feet.”