Twelve Bayern stars on international duty
The first of the busy autumn periods is over, and FC Bayern’s record of five wins, a draw and just one defeat represents an excellent return from the last three weeks. But there’s barely a chance for the FCB stars to draw breath, as half the squad is away from Munich over the next ten days for a round of qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup Russia, and in the case of Julian Green, two friendlies. Here’s our fcbayern.com overview of which players are travelling where during the international break.
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Jérôme Boateng, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Müller
The world champions play two fixtures in European Group C, against the Czech Republic in Hamburg next Saturday, 8 October, and against Northern Ireland in Hannover three days later.
France: Kingsley Coman
The EURO 2016 runners-up also have two matches in Group A, on Friday 7 October against Bulgaria in Paris and on Monday 10 October away to the Netherlands in Amsterdam, who are still without their captain Arjen Robben.
Portugal: Renato Sanches
In Group B, European champions Portugal initially face minnows Andorra in Aveiro on 7 October, before the long trip to the Faeroe Islands three days after that.
Austria: David Alaba
The Bayern star and his Austrian team-mates are level on points in Group D with Wales – the nations go head-to-head in Vienna on 6 October. Alaba and Co then travel to face Serbia in Belgrade on 9 October.
Poland: Robert Lewandowski
FCB striker Lewandowski will contest two home fixtures in Group E. The Poles play Denmark on Saturday 8 October and Armenia three days later.
Spain: Thiago
Thiago is in the Spain squad for Group G away fixtures - Javi Martínez also received a call-up but has been forced to withdraw with injury. La Roja are in Turin on 6 October for a showdown with Italy, before travelling on to Shkoder for the meeting with Albania.
Chile: Arturo Vidal
Copa America holders Chile have two tough games in South American qualifying. The first is against Ecuador in Quito on 6 October, before Arturo Vidal and his team-mates take on Peru in Santiago de Chile five days later.
The South American nations have already completed eight matchdays with Chile currently seventh in the standings. The top four qualify directly for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
USA: Julian Green
The USA Men's National Team contest two friendlies. On Friday 7 October the side coached by former Bayern boss Jürgen Klinsmann travel to face Cuba for the first time since 1947. Four days later, the USA take on New Zealand in Washington DC.