Schweinsteiger out until 2014
Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfarth released a statement today regarding Bastian Schweinsteiger's operation, repairing post-operative ossification on the right ankle from his summer surgery. It explains the injury in more detail.
"The injury concerns an extra-articular condition (situated away from the joint). The ankle joint itself is not affected. The postoperative prognosis may be regarded as very favourable. Bastian Schweinsteiger’s fitness for the year 2014 is not endangered in any respect."
Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfarth, FC Bayern Website
While not a definitive time-frame, Schweinsteiger's absence will rule him out of the rest of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Bundesliga Matchdays 13-16, Round 3 of the DFB Pokal, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Müller-Wohlfarth wanted to clear the air, correcting conflicting reports on the 29-year-old's timetable.
"Unfortunately there has been a large-scale media debate since last weekend regarding Bastian Schweinsteiger’s state of health, conducted in a manner which is inappropriate and untenable with respect to the player. Opinions are being expressed by colleagues who have no access whatsoever to specialist information, including diagnoses and visual material."
Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfarth, FC Bayern Website
All of this news should not come as a surprise. Luckily, Javi Martinez came back healthy in time. Remember when people criticized Bayern for having too many midfielders?
Thiago Training Fully
While his mates are off to their respective countries, Thiago Alcântara practiced fully with Jan Kirchhoff, Mitchell Weiser, and Tom Starke. The team website reports no pain with passing and shooting for the 22-year-old, good progress for 11 weeks after his syndesmosis surgery.
FC Bayern also explained that Thiago appeared on the teamsheet as part of a late scratch of Diego Contento. The club did not explain Contento's late scratch, and mentioned that it was too soon for Thiago to come off the bench at the time.
Merkur: FC Bayern Linked to Germany U20 Player
Courtesy of Ryan Cowper
According to merkur-online, FC Bayern are "in the running" for SpVgg Unterhaching and Germany U20 player Janick Harberer. The 19-year-old forward/midfielder has three goals for Unterhaching, including one at the weekend in the club's 4-0 win over VfB Stuttgart II.
The interest was a footnote, so who knows the truth to the rumor.
Finally, Happy 30th Birthday to Philipp Lahm!