Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has stressed the importance of defender David Alaba and has labelled him an "outstanding player".

Alaba has been out of action since November with a knee injury and is now ready to play, according to his manager.

Guardiola insists that the Austrian is an integral part of the squad and praised the 22-year-old's consistent performances.

"If tomorrow was the Champions League final he would play," the 43-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"We ask him every day how his knee is, everything is great. With him we are a better team, he can play anywhere. He is outstanding.

"On a scale of one to 10, he has always been an eight or a nine, sometimes 10. He is one of the most important players for Bayern Munich."

Alaba is likely to play when Bayern return from their mid-season break to face Wolfsburg on January 30.