Bayern hit by Robben injury setback

FC Bayern München will be without Arjen Robben for the start of their Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League campaigns after it was confirmed that the winger has torn a muscle in his left thigh.

The injury, which is expected to sideline the 26-year-old for two months, was diagnosed by Bayern team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt following a routine scan on Tuesday. "This diagnosis after my return [to training] is a shock for me," said Robben. "I am very disappointed. The injury is a bitter blow for me and the team."

The Dutch international had damaged muscle fibres in the same thigh in a pre-FIFA World Cup friendly against Hungary on 5 June. He returned to action for the concluding group match in South Africa and had a big impact in the tournament – scoring against Slovakia and Uruguay in the knockout stages – as the Netherlands got to the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain.

Robben was in sparkling form for Bayern in 2009/10 after his arrival from Real Madrid CF last August, helping the Bavarian side to the Bundesliga title with 16 goals in 24 league appearances – the best haul of his career. The former FC Groningen, PSV Eindhoven and Chelsea FC player also won the German Cup and featured in the UEFA Champions League final defeat by FC Internazionale Milano.

Bayern's first game of the season is a cup tie at TSV Germania Windeck on 16 August, four days before they launch the defence of their league crown against VfL Wolfsburg. Their bid to reach a second successive UEFA Champions League final begins in the group stage on 14/15 September.