Robben relieved but set for a month on the sidelines

Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben will be out for four weeks but was a relieved man on Thursday after a scan of his injured right knee revealed the damage is not as bad as first thought.

The 25-year-old Dutch winger limped off just before half-time in Wednesday’s scoreless draw against Juventus in a Champions League group match.

A scan revealed only a minor knee problem for which Robben will still need a minor operation, but he will return quicker than originally thought.

Given the Dutchman’s previous injury history there was relief around Munich’s Allianz Arena, especially as Robben only joined from Real Madrid last month.

“It is not as bad as we first thought, but it is obviously still a problem,” said Bayern coach Louis van Gaal.

“Thank goodness for the international games next week.”

Van Gaal will be missing both his playmakers for the Bundesliga game with Cologne on Saturday as both Robben and Franck Ribery – who the German media have dubbed ‘Robbery’ – are carrying injuries.

The Frenchman also suffered a knee injury against Juventus.

And Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten is doubtful for the Cologne game after damaging his ankle against Juventus.