Lizarazu out of Bayern opener

Bixente Lizarazu will miss FC Bayern München's opening 1. Bundesliga match of the season at VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach after tearing ligaments in a friendly.

‘Out for three to four weeks’
The French international full-back strained a muscle in last Saturday's match against Karlsruhe SC, and the injury is sufficiently serious to rule Lizarazu out of the 10 August trip to the Bökelbergstadion. Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Bayern coach, said: "Bixente will be out for the next three to four weeks. He will miss our opening game in Gladbach."

Injuries mounting
With Roque Santa Cruz already sidelined for two months, new signing Zé Roberto carrying an injury, Owen Hargreaves suffering from a knee problem and striker Giovane Elber also in doubt for the start of the season after turning an ankle, pre-season preparations are not proving ideal for the four-times European champions.