The return of Jerome Boateng is vital to Bayern Munich's Champions League campaign, according to former coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Former Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld feels the return of Jerome Boateng could be essential to Pep Guardiola's Champions League hopes this season.
The 27-year-old suffered a groin injury in January and is not expected to be available again until April, meaning he faces a battle to be fit for the quarterfinal and semifinal stage should the Bundesliga champion progress that far.
Boateng was left humbled by a brilliant solo goal from Lionel Messi during last season's semifinal against Barcelona, but Hitzfeld maintains the Germany international will be crucial to Bayern's chances of lifting Europe's top prize for the first time since 2013.