Bayern Munich confirmed earlier today that central defender Jérôme Boateng suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during Germany's Euro 2016 semi-final encounter with France on Thursday - although he is expected to return in time for their Bundesliga opener on August 26.

The 27-year-old was taken off after 59 minutes, with his side a goal down thanks to Antoine Griezmann, who would later double his tally to send the World Cup holders home and allow the French to prepare for Sunday's final against Portugal.

Better news than first expected

Boateng returned to Munich on Friday where he was attended to by the German national side's chief medical officer, Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, who was able to confirm the extent of the defender's injury.

The good news for Die Bayern fans however is that the injury is expected to clear up in time for the opening match of the 2016/17 Bundesliga season, where Boateng and his team-mates will face Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena in what will be Carlo Ancelotti's first league match in charge of the German champions.

Boateng will hope to keep his place in Ancelotti's team, with new signing Mats Hummels joining what is undoubtedly one of the strongest sides in world football, as Bayern attempt to secure their fifth Bundesliga title on the bounce and their 27th German title in total.

Benatia has struggled to nail down a starting berth since his move from Roma in 2014. (Photo: bleacherreport.com)
Benatia has struggled to nail down a starting berth since his move from Roma in 2014. (Photo: bleacherreport.com)

Back to Bayern, but who will be his partners?

One man who looks unlikely to force a way into the starting line-up in Munich is Medhi Benatia, who would reportedly have "no problem" if he was asked to leave the club over the coming weeks, although he would also be happy to stay at the club if he is needed by the new manager for the upcoming season.

In other injury news, the ever-unfortunate Holger Badstuber is said to be working tirelessly as he bids to return from the ankle injury suffered back in February that led to the defender missing 22 matches for the club last season.

Barring Badstuber and Boateng, the Bayern first-team currently has a clean bill of health, with their pre-season preparations due to begin on July 11 ahead of their International Champions Cup matches against Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan at the end of the month.

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About the author
Jack McGraghan
Sports Journalist from the University of Sunderland.