Bastian Schweinsteiger back in training as Porto looms

Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger returned to Bayern Munich training on Sunday, two days before their crucial Champions League quarter-final, second leg, against Porto.

Having missed Bayern`s 3-1 away defeat at Porto last Wednesday, the 30-year-old defensive midfielder took part in his first training session since an ankle injury in the league win at Borussia Dortmund on April 4 and a bout of flu last week.

"The doctor has said he is healthy again, but he has not played for two weeks, so we`ll see," said Bayern coach Pep Guardiola on Saturday after their 2-0 league win at Hoffenheim.

Schweinsteiger`s return is welcome relief to Guardiola, who has eight players on his injury list, including Arjen Robben, David Alaba, Mehdi Benatia and Javi Martinez.

The Bavarian giants are hoping left-back Juan Bernat, who came off against Hoffenheim after a hard tackle, and Bayern captain Philipp Lahm, who has an upset stomach, will be available against Porto.

Having won the 2013 Champions League title, Bayern face an uphill challenge to beat Porto by more than two goals in Munich to reach the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year.

It would be the first time the five-time European champions have over-turned a two-goal deficit from the first leg at the fifth attempt in competition at this level.

"This game is a final for us," said Guardiola ahead of the Allianz Arena clash.

"We need to put in a great performance, it will be difficult, but we must try and I have a lot of confidence in my players."

Guardiola gathered his players in the bowels of the Rhein-Neckar Arena after beating Hoffenheim to focus their attention for the battle against Porto.

"He was very emotional. He wanted us to pull together and stay calm in this testing situation," said Bayern`s goal-scorer Sebastian Rode.

"Anyone who believes in himself and the team can triumph, he said he is proud of us."

Guardiola is currently facing the toughest test of his two-year reign at Bayern.

His side had a game every three or four days amidst mounting injuries while team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt suddenly quit on Thursday after 40 years working with Bayern, citing a deterioration in confidence in the backroom.

"People don`t know how difficult the situation is, I`ll never forget this month for the rest of my life," added Guardiola.