Philipp Lahm: Gnabry injury a "bitter" blow for Bayern and Germany

Philipp Lahm: Gnabry injury a "bitter" blow for Bayern and Germany

Serge Gnabry is expected to miss the rest of the season after Bayern Munich confirmed on Saturday that the 30-year-old is set for a longer spell on the sidelines due to an adductor muscle tear in his right thigh.

As Bayern Munich and Germany legend Philipp Lahm points out, the injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for the Bavarians, with semi-final ties coming up in both the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

“It's very bitter, because when you're entering a decisive phase where everything is at stake and you're facing the best teams, you want all your players available,” Lahm said during a media roundtable on Sunday when asked by Bulinews.com just how big a blow Gnabry’s absence is for Bayern.

“Serge Gnabry has consistently played at a high level this season. That's why it's very tough for Bayern at this stage,” added the German World Cup winner.

“It's a shame for Bayern, because it's about titles, and then it hurts when key players are missing.”

“I feel sorry for him personally”

The injury is also likely to rule Gnabry out of the World Cup – a blow for both the player and Germany.

“I feel sorry for him personally, because it’s a huge thing for every player to play at a World Cup," Lahm said.

“You want to represent your country, and the World Cup is the biggest tournament for every player. Of course, it’s also a shame for Germany when one of their top players is not available,” added the former right-back, who was the captain of the German team that won the World Cup in 2014.