BERLIN (AFP)
Bayern Munich pair David Alaba and Rafinha will both miss the
start of the 2012-13 season due to injuries sustained in their
side's 3-2 friendly loss to Napoli, it was revealed on Saturday.
Austrian utility man Alaba, who scored the opening goal in
Friday's game, has sustained a stress fracture to his left foot
and is likely to be out of action for between six and eight
weeks.
The 20-year-old Austrian international will undergo tests in
Munich on Monday to determine whether or not he needs to undergo
surgery.
Brazilian defender Rafinha, 26, ruptured ligaments in his right
ankle and is expected to be out for around five weeks.
The pair will therefore miss Bayern's forthcoming tour to China,
starting on Sunday, along with Germany internationals Bastian
Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm, who have been granted extra time
off by coach Jupp Heynckes.
Bayern will play two friendly matches in China, against Beijing
Guoan in Beijing on July 24 and against Bundesliga rivals
Wolfsburg in Canton two days later.
Bayern's domestic commitments begin on August 12, when they face
double winners Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup.
Champions League runners-up to Chelsea last season, Heynckes' men
start their Bundesliga campaign with a trip to promoted Greuther
Furth on August 25.
