Bayern hit by Robben injury blow

German champions Bayern Munich suffered a major blow on Tuesday when star Dutchman and Bundesliga player of last season 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 prior to the World Cup finals playing in a friendly for Holland against Hungary — though he 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 which along with an IRM revealed a hole of about five centimetres in the muscle.

“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 world governing body 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.”

Robben, who inspired Bayern to the domestic double as well as the Champions League final last season, will miss the opening games of the Bundesliga as well as the first games in the Champions League group stage which gets underway in mid-September.

“It is a serious injury,” commented Muller-Wohlfahrt.

“I find it irresponsible that the Dutch did not diagnose the injury more precisely and they allowed him to play,” added Muller-Wohlfahrt, who claimed he had on several occasions offered his services to the Dutch medical team during the World Cup only to be turned down.”

Robben, who is nicknamed the ‘Crystal glass player’ for his fragility, had an outstanding World Cup and had a golden chance to put the Dutch ahead in the final against Spain only for Iker Casillas to save – the Spanish went on to win 1-0.