Javi Martinez removed from DFL SuperCup with terrifying knee injury

29 minutes is all it took for the DFL SuperCup to rock Bayern Munich's season.

On a set piece against Borussia Dortmund, Javi Martinez attempted an awkward volley, his knee colliding with Marcel Schmelzer's back before awkwardly falling to the grass. He was immediately stretchered off the field after a single test. It was the worst possible outcome from the match, considering it's a glorified friendly. Immediately, the speculation started with Sky Sports saying they thought Javi Martinez has torn his ACL, while speculation ran rampant on Twitter. It's important to remember that ACL injury testing isn't something that is done quickly. There are very specific tests that can be used for a quick emergency diagnosis (including the Lachman test), but when it comes to multi-million euro athletes you can bet each one is going to go through an MRI before they start thinking, or releasing information to the public, about the full extent of the damage.

While no word has come from the team regarding the specifics of the injury, Pep Guardiola did address the injury in his post-match press conferences, saying "We'll know what he's got tomorrow. But I think that he will be out for a long time." It's a massive blow for Bayern Munich as Javi Martinez was one of just two players who could play as the dynamic central defender role in Pep Guardiola's back three, as well as one of their best choices in holding midfield. With Holger Badstuber the other option in that role, and with him still working his way back from an 18 month layoff following two ACL ruptures of his own, Bayern Munich's system and formation are going to be a big concern going into Sunday's DFB Pokal match against Preuben Münster and into the start of the season next Friday against VfL Wolfsburg.

Hope for the best. Expect the worst. And pray Javi's ligaments are made of adamantium or something.