DOHA: The 13-day holiday break is over and the hard grind in training has started again. Bayern Munich stars reached Doha on Sunday and started the winter camp, where coach Pep Guardiola and his men will lay the foundations for the second half of the season. The first training session of the new year took place at the ASPIRE Academy ground on Sunday evening. “We’ve to work meticulously, maintaining our concentration and focus,” Matthias Sammer declared. The board director for sport said that six of the club’s first eight games in 2014 were away from home, “so we’re well aware of what’s in store.” A total of 27 Bayern players will be present in Qatar, including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben, who were sidelined with injury for the run-in to Christmas. Schweinsteiger is in excellent shape following ankle surgery last November, said Sammer. “I’m hoping it’ll be quick. After two or three days, he might be able to manage parts of the squad sessions.” The situation is less clearcut regarding Robben, currently recovering from a deep cut to the knee. “We’ll take a very good look at how well he copes with the training load,” remarked Sammer, “but we can definitely say one thing. Given the extent of the injury, his recovery is optimal.” Holger Badstuber has also travelled with the rest of the squad. The 24-year-old will make the most of the perfect training conditions to continue his sports rehab following cruciate surgery. Robben and six other players were not on board the plane that took off from Munich shortly after 9am for the five-and-a-half hour flight. The schedule for the stay in Qatar includes two friendly matches. Bayern face Sudanese champions Al Merrikh SC at 8 pm local time on January 9 in Doha. On their way back to Germany, Bayern will call in on Kuwait for a friendly against national champions Kuwait SC at 6 pm local time on January 13.