Lasogga and Djourou doubtful for Hamburg

In FC Bayern’s trip to Hamburger SV on Friday evening (20:30 CET) the Bundesliga’s only ever-present club could be without two key players. Striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga (shoulder) and captain and centre-back Johan Djourou (knee) are both rated doubtful. “We won’t be picking from a full squad unfortunately,” commented Hamburg boss Bruno Labbadia. The former FCB striker is definitely without Emir Spahic, who has a torn stomach muscle. “We’ll need an outstanding day if we’re to beat Bayern. It’ll be a huge challenge,” Labbadia continued.

Ladies’ man Müller

Oh la la! Thomas Müller is the best-loved player among women in Germany. 18 percent of respondents in a Forsa survey on behalf of “Frau im Spiegel” magazine named the world champion as their favourite player. Last year’s winner Manuel Neuer, who is especially popular among younger women, came second on 16 percent. Third place was shared between Bayern skipper Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mats Hummels.

Chile and Sampaoli part company

FCB star Arturo Vidal will soon have a new national team coach. Current supremo Jorge Sampaoli and Chilean association ANFP agreed an early termination of the coach’s contract on Tuesday. Sampaoli led Chile to their maiden Copa América triumph in 2015, when Vidal & Co beat Argentina with superstar Lionel Messi 4-1 on penalties in the final. In the poll for Coach of the Year a few days ago, Sampaoli came third behind Luis Enrique (FC Barcelona) and Pep Guardiola (FC Bayern). The 55-year-old’s successor has yet to be named.