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Bayern's Ribery fit to start against ambitious Lyon

April 21, 2010 11:06 IST

Bayern Munich's talismanic playmaker Franck Ribery is fit to start in the Champions League semi-final against Olympique Lyon on Wednesday after skipping training because of muscular problems.

His involvement in a French investigation into a prostitution ring has not affected him, Bayern said, after the Frenchman completed his first training session following his substitution on the weekend against Hanover 96.

The Bavarians, still bidding for three titles including the German Cup and championship, will however be without experienced midfielder Mark van Bommel who joins defender Holger Badstuber on the sidelines, with both players suspended.

While young Badstuber was not guaranteed a starting spot, van Bommel's central midfield role will be harder to fill.

Lyon, in their first Champions League semi-final, have no suspension concerns but Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun (groin) and defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong (calf) and Mathieu Bodmer (thigh) are sidelined with injuries.

Striker Lisandro Lopez, who picked up a minor ankle knock in last weekend's 2-2 draw against Girondins Bordeaux, has "not stepped on the grass yet", according to coach Claude Puel but should be expected to start.

The French will also be worrying about yellow cards with seven players, among them Cris and playmaker Miralem Pjanic, out of the return leg if they pick up a booking on Wednesday.

Puel also declined to comment on forward Sidney Govou, who alongside Ribery and some other France internationals, have been questioned as witnesses in the prostitution probe.

The French Football Federation said in a statement Govou and Ribery must be presumed innocent at this stage.

Source: REUTERS
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