Bayern Munich will be without Japanese international after knee surgery

Just before Bayern Munich's 3-1 victory over Turbine Potsdam to kick off the Frauen Bundesliga season, the club announced that Mana Iwabuchi would miss the match due to a torn knee ligament. Thankfully, the club's title defense got off to an okay start even without her.

Iwabuchi joined two other creative players for Bayern that are currently out with injuries. Lena Lotzen and Vero Boquete both also missed the club's opening Bundesliga match against Potsdam. Bayern are targeting a great performance in their return to the UEFA Women's Champions League this season and will need these three players to be healthy to have a shot at competing on all three fronts this season.

Team manager Karin Danner said, "We wish Mana all the best for the surgery and subsequent recovery period, and look forward to seeing her back on the pitch."

Bayern's next match is on Sunday, September 6 against newly promoted FC Köln.