Philipp Lahm: 'Bayern Munich need Franck Ribery back as soon as possible'

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has admitted that the team needs Franck Ribery back from injury as soon as possible.

The France international winger picked up an ankle problem over a month ago and remains out of action.

Having suffered a similar injury earlier in the season, Lahm understands how frustrated Ribery will be feeling on the sidelines.

"This is not a nice situation for Franck, that's quite clear," he is quoted as saying by TZ. "But it's not a good situation for the coach and the team either. We need him back. That is the most important thing.

"Franck still has some fitness issues, though. That's the worst thing for a player, when you are having problems and cannot train with the team. When you have an injury and need surgery, you know how long it will be before you can return. But with this kind of injury, you never know how long your recovery will take. That's frustrating for a player."

Bayern are back in action tonight when they host rivals Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals.