Bayern Munich survive injury scares, stay atop table

Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos left the pitch on Saturday but will be fit for their next match and Bayern remained without defeat in the Bundesliga with a 3-2 win over Hertha Berlin.

Arjen Robben left Saturday's win over Hertha Berlin but will be fit for Bayern's next match. Michael Dalder / Reuters

Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos will be fit for their next Bundesliga match despite both going off injured in the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Hertha Berlin, the club said.

The pair left the pitch within minutes of each other midway through the opening period with groin injuries, which Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said was the result of a busy schedule.

“They have played many, many games so far and that can happen,” the Spaniard told reporters.

Dutchman Robben said he should be back to face Hoffenheim in the league next Saturday.

“It’s not that bad,” he told reporters. “It seems to be a problem with the nerve rather than the muscle.”

There was more good news for Guardiola, with midfielder Javi Martinez making a substitute appearance after two months out following groin surgery.

Central defender Dante, sidelined for the past week with a cut ankle, is also expected to return to action next week.

Bayern, who have not lost in the three competitions they are currently contesting, are without 25 million euros (Dh126.78m) signing Thiago Alcatara, injured since August, defender Holger Badstuber as well as Claudio Pizarro and Xherdan Shaqiri, both injured recently and out until early December.

On Saturday Mario Mandzukic scored twice and goals from Madzukic and Mario Gotze three minutes apart early in the second half ensured the win over Berlin.

Last season’s treble winners, who have gone 35 league matches without defeat, top the Bundesliga on 26 points, one ahead of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.