Demichelis to miss Bayern openers

FC Bayern München defender Martín Demichelis is expected to miss the start of the UEFA Champions League group stage after tearing ligaments in his right ankle during a training session on Wednesday.

'Good run-up'
On the eve of the start of the new Bundesliga season Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger confirmed that the 28-year-old would be out of action for six to eight weeks. "The duration of the injury is a bitter blow," he said. "Martin had a very good run-up to this season. We now hope he will heal well and come back as soon as possible." Holger Badstuber is likely to replace the Argentinian in the starting lineup, with the group stage campaign beginning on 15/16 September. Bayern kick off the Bundesliga season away to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday.