Bayern will be well represented in the International Break

Bayern Munich will get themselves a much needed break as the international break rolls around. Bayern itself will be well represented, as eleven players will be competing in fixtures across Europe.

Germany

Die Mannschaft is coming off their worst run of form in team history, having lost their sixth game in a calendar year against defending world champions France. The team plays two games at home; a friendly against World Cup hosts Russia in Leipzig and a Nations League match against the Netherlands in Gelsenkirchen. Die Mannschaft is dead last in its Nations League group after two losses to the Dutch and the French in the last international break and are looking to turn it around. If the Netherlands lose twice this break (to France and Germany), Germany will finish second in their group and avoid relegation to Group B.

As is almost always the case, Bayern can be seen everywhere in this team. Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich have all been named to the 24-man roster in the hopes that this year won’t end in complete failure. Jerome Boateng was omitted, ostensibly to allow him to work on his fitness.

Poland: Robert Lewandowski

As one of the best strikers in the world, Robert Lewandowski will return home to face a similar Nations League situation as his German counterparts. Poland are last in their group, with one game away to Portugal remaining to avoid relegation. Before this game, Poland will play be a friendly match in Gdasnk against the Czech Republic.

Portugal: Renato Sanches

The Portuguese may be on top of their group, but they have some work to do over this break. Cristiano Ronaldo is still out of the lineup as the FPF decide what to do in regards to rape allegations that surfaced last month. The Navigators also face two tough Nations League matches, playing Poland at home and traveling to face Italy at the San Siro. Sanches has been getting some starting time at Bayern, and while it hasn’t been stellar, he could be able to shine for the national team.

Austria: David Alaba

Austria sit in Group B in the Nations League table. Like Portugal, David Alaba and company face two Nations League matches this break. They face a tough match in Vienna against Bosnia and Herzegovina before traveling to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland. The Austrians have fared better than their German cousins and currently sit second in their group table. While taking all six points may be tough, they will still keep their place in the competition.

German U-19: Christian Früchtl

The German U-19s are playing in a tournament of their own this weekend, the Four Nations Tournament in Armenia. In addition to the hosts, the young Germans play Portugal and the Netherlands. As one of the best young goalkeepers in the nation, Christian Früchtl should see some great playing time this tournament.

US U-20: Chris Richards

How could we forget? The dynamic young American center-back currently on loan from FC Dallas was also called up to international duty for the US U-20 team. Here’s the story!

It looks like Richards still has to adjust to the rigors of international duty: