Bayern Munich announce roster for China trip; Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery miss out

Bayern Munich began their Chinese adventure on Thursday where they will play three friendlies. The first of these matches is July 18 against Valencia in Beijing. The other two matches take place July 21 against Inter Milan in Shanghai and July 23 against Guanghzou Evergrande in Guanghzou.

"Because of the way the trip's been planned I'm sure it'll be a great success," said CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, "We last went to China three years ago and won the treble straight afterwards, so maybe it's a good omen."

Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Dante, Holger Badstuber, and Jan Kirchhoff will unfortunately not be making the trip to China as they continue to recover from injuries.

Three reserve players make the trip in Fabian Benko, Phillipp Steinhart, and Felix Pohl. Benko, the youngest at 17, was promoted from the U17s to the reserves this summer. Steinhart made the transfer to FCB II last summer from 1860 and was a standout player in the side. Pohl played under FCBII manager Heiko Vogel with Bayern's U19s last year and is expected to play with the reserves in the upcoming season.

Full Roster for 2015 Audi Summer Tour

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer
Tom Starke
Sven Ulreich

Defenders/Midfielders

David Alaba
Xabi Alonso
Mehdi Benatia
Fabian Benko
Juan Bernat
Jerome Boateng
Gianluca Gaudino
Pierre Hojbjerg
Joshua Kimmich
Philipp Lahm
Javi Martinez
Felix Pohl
Rafinha
Sebastian Rode
Phillipp Steinhart

Attackers

Thiago Alcantara
Douglas Costa
Mario Götze
Julian Green
Sinan Kurt
Robert Lewandowski
Thomas Müller