Bayern Munich’s Lucas Hernandez “out for several weeks” with possible ligament damage; Martinez and Gnabry with muscular issues

A Pyrrhic victory at Piraeus: Bayern Munich held on to beat a stout Olympiacos away 3-2, but lost the second key central defender in as many games as Lucas Hernandez went down with an apparent ankle injury in the second 59th minute and had to make way for Jerome Boateng.

Bayern has now confirmed the injuries online (FCBayern.com) and in speaking to the press (Bild, Sport1). Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sport1,

“He will be out for a long time. Several weeks!” Brazzo on Lucas Hernandez.

Salihamidzic also criticized the French federation’s decision to play Hernandez against Bayern’s wishes during the international break, although it was knee injury that was ailing him at the time.

Head coach Niko Kovac said they fear ligament damage, but do not know yet for sure:

Hernández has problems with his ankle. We have to see whether the ligament was also affected. He has severe pain on the inside of his ankle; that’s why we had to take him out. It’s very frustrating.

Hernandez left the stadium on crutches:

Javi Martinez’s substitution after halftime was not a tactical decision, but rather a result of discomfort in his thigh. Kovac said, “Martinez had muscular problems in the first half; we didn’t want to take any risks. So we reacted.”

Serge Gnabry also was substituted off after he “felt something,” according to sporting director Salihamidzic.