Hashemian and Zé Roberto poised to return

Fcbayern - Two days ahead of Tuesday evening's Champions League showdown against Juventus in Turin, the injury crisis affecting Bayern's forward line has shown some signs of easing. Both Vahid Hashemian and Zé Roberto are poised to return to the Bavarians' squad, although Claudio Pizarro is still sidelined with injury.

Hashemian shook off an ankle problem to resume training on Sunday morning. "He's coming with us to Turin," coach Felix Magath told a media conference after the session. The Iran hitman is a very real possibility for a start alongside Roy Makaay.

Claudio Pizarro will not be fit in time for the trip to the Serie A leaders. "I don't believe he'll make it, and even if he's on the plane, there has to be a huge question-mark over his ability to play," the boss reported.

The Peru striker has been laid low by a back problem for almost two weeks now. The injury forced the player to break off a fitness test on Sunday morning. "It's definitely improving," he told fcbayern.de, but he ruled himself out of contention for Turin. "I won't be fit in time," he confirmed.

Both Pizarro and Hashemian missed Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Schalke. If the Iranian fails to recover completely in time for the Champions League Group C encounter, Magath will again be forced to field Makaay as a lone striker, as Roque Santa Cruz and Alex Zickler are both still unfit.

On a positive note, Zé Roberto returns to the team in midweek. Magath ordered the Brazilian to rest on Saturday after his marathon journey on international duty, but the winger took part in Sunday's workout and is a certain starter on Tuesday.