Bayern Munich optimistic Ribery will return Wednesday vs. Barcelona

Bayern Munich appear to be slowly overcoming the recent injury crisis that's seen some of the club's top players go down in the final months of the season.

CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed optimism about Franck Ribery's chances of returning to the team ahead of their Champions League semifinal clash with Barcelona on Wednesday.

"Our hope is that he can at least make the squad on Wednesday," Rummenigge told reporters. "Our doctors are working day and night to make this possible."

The French midfielder has been out of action since March 11 when he suffered an ankle injury during Bayern's 7-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

While he likely won't make the starting team after such a lengthy layoff, Ribery might be available off the bench.

The 32-year-old joins Robert Lewandowski as another candidate who could be available for the important clash. Rummenigge said the Polish international, who broke his jaw and nose during Bayern's German Cup loss to Borussia Dortmund, could make an appearance but would require a face mask.