BERLIN. — Runaway German Bundesliga soccer leaders Bayern Munich need to adjust to life without captain Philipp Lahm when they host Hoffenheim today ahead of next week’s Champions League match at Manchester City.The 31-year-old Lahm has been ruled out for the next three months after fracturing his ankle in training, depriving coach Pep Guardiola of one of his key assets, either at right-back or in the defensive midfield.

“I was shocked when I heard the news and we wish Philipp all the best, but there is no place for mourning or sentimentality,” insisted Bayern’s director of sport Matthias Sammer.

“We need to shake it off and keep looking forward, some of the players in the wings now have the chance to prove themselves.”

Bayern are unbeaten in their last 15 league matches and are four points clear at the top of the table, and Hoffenheim will serve as a dress rehearsal for Tuesday’s European clash in Manchester.

The Bavarians are already through to the Champions League knock-out stage and are confirmed group winners with two matches to spare.

Guardiola will need to reshuffle his defensive midfield alongside Xabi Alonso, but there are rumours Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger could make his return from the knee injury which has kept him out since the World Cup final.

Bayern will have goalkeeper Manuel Neuer available after he missed Germany’s 1-0 friendly win over Spain on Tuesday with a knee strain.
Hoffenheim forced a 3-3 draw on their last league visit to the Allianz Arena in March and are fifth in the table. — AFP.

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