Bayern hit by Robben injury blow

Bayern Munich suffered a major blow yesterday when Arjen Robben was ruled out for two months because of a left thigh injury.

Bayern could seek compensation as they believe it is an aggravation of the injury the 26-year-old suffered just prior to the World Cup finals, playing in a friendly for the Dutch against Hungary, but recovered sufficiently to play a decisive part in the Netherlands’ march to the final.

“This diagnosis came as a shock,” said Robben, following the diagnosis by team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt.

“I felt in really good shape, I played in four matches at the World Cup and I never felt the slightest pain.”

Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was seething at the news as he had criticised Robben’s selection for the finals squad after he suffered his initial injury and claimed he had asked FIFA to act as a mediator in the dispute between the club and the Dutch federation.

“Yet again we have to pay for the folly of a national federation and for an incorrect diagnosis,” said the former West German international striker.

“We are extremely disappointed.”