03.10.2014 15:22 h

Guardiola cautious about Schweinsteiger, Ribery return

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola said Friday he would not be rushing Bastian Schweinsteiger and Franck Ribery back from injury.

"They're getting better every day. But we're playing with a ball, not cycling," said Guardiola after the players completed a new endurance session on a bicycle.

"Basti will return," he continued. "I just don't know when because we don't want to put too much pressure on, it's the same with Franck. They're not ready, not yet on top form. They still need time and they have it."

Both Schweinsteiger, 30, et Ribery, 31, are suffering from knee injuries.

Schweinsteiger has taken over as Germany captain after the international retirement of Philipp Lahm, but has not yet played this season for the Bundesliga leaders, while Ribery has played just 22 minutes, scoring one goal against Stuttgart on September 13.

Guardiola is also cautious about the return of Spaniard Thiago Alcantara, who returned to light individual training on Thursday as he recovers from a knee injury.

But defender Jerome Boateng is set to return at home against Hanover after missing their 1-0 Champions League win at CSKA Moscow because of muscular problems.