02.03.2016 16:39 h

Martinez back on the ball at Bayern

Pep Guardiola had good news hours before Bayern Munich's league match against Mainz on Wednesday as Spain international Javi Martinez trained with the ball for the first time since surgery.

The 27-year-old Martinez was at Bayern's Saebener Strasse training ground as his team-mates prepared for the game at Munich's Allianz Arena.

"I feel good and I don't have any pain," Martinez told the Bayern website.

The Spanish defender kissed the ball and said: "he is still my friend".

Martinez underwent surgery in Barcelona to repair the meniscus in his left knee exactly a month ago and has been able to run for nearly two weeks, but this is the first time he has been able to train properly with the ball.

Bayern are struggling for fit centre-backs with Germany internationals Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber both sidelined with injury.

Badstuber gave Bayern's fans an update via Twitter after his operation on a fractured ankle.

"Hallo Fans! Things are going well, it's all going to plan and healing very well," he wrote.

Badstuber is not expected to play again this season after suffering his fourth serious injury since December 2012.