Robben boost for Bayern

Bayern Munich are hoping to have a fully-fit Arjen Robben available after the winter break following the Dutchman's hamstring injury.

He has, however, been in light training for the past month but is due to step up his comeback this week by joining in in team sessions before playing an even bigger part on Bayern's winter training camp in Qatar from January 2 to 9.

And the Bundesliga champions are hoping Robben can make his eagerly-awaited comeback when they resume league action at Wolfsburg on January 15.

"Arjen is about to start training with the team," said Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger.

"It looks very likely that he will be able to join in three or four times with the team before Christmas."

Bayern have missed Robben's brilliance over the opening months of the season. Louis van Gaal's side are currently sixth, 17 points behind runaway leaders Borussia Dortmund.