Four Injured Dons May Be Fit For Bayern

Last updated : 13 February 2008 By Stand Free Ed

FOUR of Aberdeen's injured players could be set to make dramatic recoveries in time for the UEFA Cup fixture with Bayern Munich tomorrow.

Darren Mackie, Zander Diamond, Andy Considine and Barry Nicholson all trained for the Dons this morning, and could yet feature for the Dons in the glamour cup-tie.

But Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood he is reluctant to jeopardise players' long-term fitness for a one-off encounter.

He said: "It depends on how far away they are and the individuals involved if we are to risk them.

"We still have big games coming up and we have to work out if it is worth the gamble for one match."

Calderwood added that he could be ready to recall forgotten midfielder Karim Touzani.

The Dutch player is back in training after recovering from a knee injury and the recent birth of his child.

Touzani was easily the Dons man of the match in Aberdeen's only European tie this season comparable to the Bayern test - the group stage fixture at Athletico Madrid.

Calderwood said: "Touzani is a possibility. He did well for the reserves last week and he is champing at the bit."

Bayern touched down in the north-east at lunchtime today without French winger Franck Ribery or ex-Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel.

The pair miss out along with defenders Daniel van Buyten and Willy Sagnol, and Bayern could also be set to play third-choice keeper Bernd Dreher.

But under-fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is likely to play despite a poor season and rumours linking the 23-year-old with a move away from the Allianz Arena.