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Despite their growing injury list Bayern Munich are optimistic they can overcome Milan on Wednesday and book a place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2001.
Bayern came from behind twice in the first leg in Milan to clinch a 2-2 draw and give the Bundesliga outfit a slight edge heading into the return.
Martin Demichelis is struggling with a pulled calf muscle, Bastian Schweinsteiger strained his knee ligaments at the weekend and Owen Hargreaves, Lucio and Hasan Salihamidzic are also carrying knocks.
Willy Sagnol is definitely out after suffering a serious knee injury in the first leg but better news comes with the return from suspension of midfielder Mark van Bommel and captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
“I’m optimistic,” said Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who led Bayern to win the European Cup for the fourth time during his first spell as coach in 2001.
“Beating Hanover (2-1 at the weekend) was good news for Wednesday. We have a chance as long as we’re on top form.”
Milan’s morale was lifted on Saturday by their 3-1 victory over Empoli which took them to within a point of Serie A’s fourth and final Champions League spot.
“This team is starting to give its best and the result of tonight’s match puts us in the best condition to prepare for Wednesday,” said team coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“I am very realistic and I think we can do it. I know Milan and Bayern, and I know how we can create problems for our adversaries.
“Our objective will be to play like we did at home. If we do that, we’ll have a good chance of progressing.”
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