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Robben, Lahm Fit for Bayern as Boateng Undergoes Op

Bayern Munich stars Arjen Robben and Philipp Lahm were declared fit for Wednesday's crunch Bundesliga showdown against RB Leipzig, while Germany defender Jerome Boateng has undergone surgery.

Dutch winger Robben and Bayern captain Lahm have recovered from injury knocks and both took part in training on Tuesday.

"Robben is okay, Lahm is okay. They trained without problems," confirmed Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Leaders Bayern host second-placed Leipzig with both teams on 36 points in what chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has described as "a Christmas final" before the league's four-week break for winter.

But Bayern will be without center-back Boateng, who underwent shoulder surgery on Tuesday and likely will be out until at least February.

"The operation went well, he has to take a break for six weeks," added Ancelotti, who said he is relishing facing Leipzig.

The Italian's star-studded side has won the German league title in each of the last four seasons to set a new Bundesliga record.

It has been rare in recent times for Bayern to play their final game of the year with a rival breathing down their necks.

"It's a fantastic game for everyone who loves football and we're hoping for our best performance," said Ancelotti.

The 57-year-old admitted Leipzig have proven they are worthy "challengers" to Bayern in this season's title race with their intensity and team spirit.

Leipzig have already beaten Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin and Schalke in their record 13-match unbeaten run at the start of their first season in Germany's top flight and now want Bayern's scalp.

"If we play badly, we'll lose," added Ancelotti.

"Results until now have been okay. We have done quite well until now, but we must, and we will, improve."

Source: Agence France Presse


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