BAYERN MUNICH are in the midst of a serious goalkeeping crisis following a freak injury to Sven Ulreich.
The 29-year-old, who has been deputising for Manuel Neuer, appears to have suffered a serious finger during a training session in Doha.
And Bayern will have to turn to former goalkeeping coach Tom Starke, who came out of retirement in the summer following the injury to the Germany’s No 1.
The injury to Ulreich occurred during a training session when he attempted to catch a routine shot.
However, the ball hit his middle finger at an awkward angle and it was soon apparent there was a serious problem.
He was immediately escorted from the field by team medical staff who applied cold water to his injured digit and placed it in a bandage.
There were a few raised eyebrows when, despite the huge advancements made in medical care, Ulreich was seen holding his finger in a plastic cup — presumably filled with water — as he was led away in a golf cart.
From there, he was taken to the team hotel and a exact diagnosis is still pending.
SAMM STORY Germany legend Matthias Sammer reveals he was a member of notorious Stasi secret police in Dresden
Neuer broke his foot during last season’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid and looked set to return at the beginning of this campaign — only for the injury to reoccur.
He recently shared a video of himself on Instagram walking without crutches and there is optimism he is on his way back.
most read in football
Although, no official return date has been set.
Starke, 36, has played just ten league games for Bayern, despite having been at the club since 2012.
But he won the Bundesliga on five occasions, the German Cup three times, the German Super Cup twice as well as the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup successes of 2013.
Starke has made 12 official appearances for the Bavarians in all competitions and won 13 major trophies.
Leave a comment