Luis Díaz took part in Bayern Munich team training on Thursday for the first time since tearing a muscle in his left hamstring against Arsenal on October 21. In the five games he has missed since then, Bayern won four and drew one, and the club's most likely date for his return is now in the Champions League rather than the first match back.

Five games, no losses

Díaz lasted only 22 minutes after coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. Without him, Bayern beat Freiburg 3-1 and Mainz 2-1 in the Bundesliga, drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund, won 2-0 at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League and routed Magdeburg 6-1 in the DFB-Pokal.

That run came while the bench was also changing hands. Vincent Kompany has been out since collapsing with meningeal irritation, and he only returned to Säbener Straße this week to rehab an injured shoulder. Sport1 reports he could be available again for the Köln game.

Why he still matters

Díaz had five goals and one assist in 11 appearances across all competitions before the injury, and he was just finding his best form. His standout game shortly before the injury was a hat trick plus an assist in the 6-1 win over RB Leipzig. Last season, his first in Germany, he finished with 15 goals and 14 assists in the Bundesliga alone.

Thursday's session was held mostly with reserve-team players because of the international window. Jamal Musiala, who has two goals and one assist in four appearances and has been working back from a thigh muscle tear, trained alongside him, as did Bara Sapoko Ndiaye after an appendectomy.

Köln, Lille or Hamburg

Bayern host Köln on Friday, November 20, travel to Lille in the Champions League on November 25 and face Hamburger SV on November 28. Bild, via MiaSanMia, reported earlier this week that Díaz is targeting the Lille game rather than Köln.

The attack still needs him back. Serge Gnabry (hamstring) is expected to be out until the winter break, new signing Ismael Saibari (ankle syndesmosis tear) likely longer, and Manuel Neuer is out with a foot injury. Bayern have eight games left in all competitions before the break.