Sanches returns to Bayern training

Munich - Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches returned to training with Bayern Munich on Monday, but is unlikely to be fit to make his debut against Werder Bremen on Friday.

The 19-year-old, who joined the Bavarian giant from Benfica for €35 million in the close season, suffered a thigh injury in training a fortnight ago after helping his national side win the Euro 2016 title.

New manager Carlo Ancelotti will make his Bundesliga bow as Bayern kicks off its search for a record fifth consecutive title by welcoming Bremen to the Allianz Arena.

Douglas Costa, Arjen Robben, and Jerome Boateng are all also struggling with injuries.

But Spanish midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Xabi Alonso are back and fully fit after being rested for the DFB-Pokal first-round 5-0 win over Carl Zeiss Jena last Friday.

Last week, Ancelotti brushed off any concerns about the depth of his squad.

"I'm happy with this team," he said. "We do not need new players. The injuries will last maybe two or three weeks, so we can hold up there."