The former France international says he deeply regrets rushing himself back to action in light of recent thigh and ankle problems
Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says that he will not risk another injury “disaster” just to feature against Borussia Dortmund this weekend.
The former France winger has had numerous fitness issues over the past year and missed the 2014 World Cup with a back problem before deciding to call time on his international career to focus on club football.
Ribery has continued to be plagued by little niggles this season, though, with the 31-year-old sustaining a thigh problem in training in January and then being forced off with an ankle knock in the March 11 Champions League rout of Shakhtar Donetsk.
Consequently, the ex-Olympique de Marseille ace says he has no intention of taking any chances with his fitness ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga meeting with Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
“I started back too early and got back pain,” the attacker told Sport Bild.
“Then I trained poorly. It was a disaster to start too early. It was a mistake.
“I’d rather give my body some rest time to be in top shape at the crucial stage of the season.”
Bayern currently sit 10 points clear of Wolfsburg at the top of the Bundesliga, with BVB all the way down in 10th place.
Pep Guardiola’s men face Porto in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, travelling to the Dragao for the first leg on April 15 before hosting the Primeira Liga outfit at the Allianz Arena six days later.
No comments:
Post a Comment