Scholl doubtful for Old Trafford

Mehmet Scholl looks likely to miss FC Bayern München’s UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United FC next week, after pulling a muscle during training on Monday.

Bad timing
Scholl’s injury, which will keep him out of action for at least ten days, could not have come at a worse time for Bayern as they face a busy schedule of key matches over the coming week. Next Wednesday’s match at Old Trafford will go a long way to deciding who finishes top of Group A and thereby avoids facing a fellow group winner in the last eight.

Misses derby
Before then the Champions League holders play FC Schalke 04 on Wednesday in the semi-final of the German Cup - a match that gives Bayern the chance to take a measure of revenge for the humiliating 5-1 defeat suffered a month ago in the 1. Bundesliga – and then on Saturday face TSV 1860 München in the Munich derby.

Long list of injuries
Scholl’s setback is the latest in a long list of injuries for Bayern. Hasan Salihamidzic, Pablo Thiam and Niko Kovac all have long-term ligament problems. Michael Tarnat will be out for the next few days after gashing his ankle in training on Sunday and Willy Sagnol (bruised thigh) and Thorsten Fink (knee) are doubtful for Wednesday’s cup match.