Jerome Boateng injury: Calf sprain sees him return early to Bayern Munich

It was announced today that Jerome Boateng would be returning to Bayern Munich early after suffering a left calf sprain. Boateng is the second Bayern Munich player to withdraw ahead of the friendly with Spain, joining Manuel Neuer who was forced to withdraw with knee pain.

Like, Neuer, with no notice of these injuries before the players withdrew from the team, I suspect that both are "preventative" withdrawals in the sense of both players aren't needed and would rather return to their club team.

In response to allowing Boateng to leave the team, Joachim Löw has called up 22 year old Wolfsburg centerback Robin Knoche as a replacement. I've been impressed with Knoche's performances for Wolfsburg over the last two seasons, so it's good to see him getting rewarded with his first international call-up for the senior team.

So, like with Neuer, I don't see any reason to panic yet. Bayern return to the field in a week at the Allianz Arena against Hoffenheim. And, if Boateng really does need a day or two of extra rest, Dante and Mehdi Benatia are both able to start.