Bayern Pair Of Robben & Ribbery To Miss Bremen Trip

Bayern Munich’s wing partnership of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery would miss Saturday’s trip to Werder Bremen, the Bundesliga leaders have announced.

The German champions confirmed on Thursday that Robben has a “clamped nerve” and Ribery has an ankle injury. Both players limped off before the end of the midweek’s rout of 10-man Shakhtar Donetsk in the Uefa Champions League.

It is a huge loss for the Bavarians, considering the fact that the pair dubbed ‘Robbery’ by fans have been in devastating form, contributing to 36 of the side’s 66 goals this season.

Arjen Robben Celebrates His Goal With Team-Mates. Image: Getty.
Arjen Robben Celebrates His Goal With Team-Mates. Image: Getty.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso will also miss the game at the Weserstadion having picked up maximum yellow cards.

Midfielder Thiago Alcantara trained with the team for the first time since October on Thursday as he continues in his recovery from a knee injury.

The good news, nonetheless, is the return of captain Philipp Lahm. The German World Cup-winning captain (retired) started from the bench against Shakhtar on Wednesday and could make his first start since November, when he broke his ankle in training.

Bayern are 11 points ahead of second-placed Wolfsburg at the top of the standings. Bremen, one of the most improved sides in the second half of the current campaign, are up to eighth position with 33 points.