Lahm facing up to injury lay-off

Bayern defender Philipp Lahm will be out of action for an as yet unspecified spell after injuring his right ankle in Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Fiorentina, FCB medical chief Dr Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt announced after examining the player on Wednesday morning.

“We hope it’s not too drawn-out, but we’re counting on being without him for the next two or three matches,” reported coach Jürgen Klinsmann. “I’m assuming I’ll be playing again before the winter break, although we haven’t had the final diagnosis yet,” Lahm himself explained.

Lahm not shocked

The German international’s right foot has been put in plaster as a precaution. He will report back to Dr Müller-Wohlfahrt in around a week for a further examination and the drawing up of a timetable towards a comeback.

Lahm remained composed despite the setback. “It’s a shame when you’re forced to take a break, but it’s not come as a shock. I’ve had much worse,” Lahm told FCB.tv. The 24-year-old has already overcome a stress fracture of the foot, a torn cruciate ligament and elbow ligament damage in his professional career.

Plenty of alternatives

The full-back sustained the latest injury after half an hour of Tuesday’s European tie. “It was just about OK until half-time, but then it became too painful to continue,” revealed Lahm, who was replaced by Christian Lell for the second period.

“He did a good job,” Klinsmann said in reference to Lell, who is now likely to continue as a stand-in at left-back: “We know he can fill the position.“ Klinsmann’s other alternatives would be to revert to a three-man back-line including Daniel van Buyten, or to have Zé Roberto help out at left-back. “We’ll have a think about it over the next few days,” the Bayern boss said, “although we’re aware we have no like-for-like replacement for Philipp in his position.“