Bayern do not need Robben to beat Barcelona – Friedrich

The winger will miss the rest of the season with a calf injury, but the ex-Germany defender believes his side can still thrive in his absence

Former Germany international Arne Friedrich believes Bayern Munich do not need Arjen Robben to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Netherlands international is out for the rest of the season with a torn calf suffered during Bayern’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Robert Lewandowski is also in doubt for the first leg against Barcelona on May 6 after suffering a broken nose and jaw in the same game.

Despite that, however, Friedrich – capped 82 times by Germany – believes Bayern will advance.

“Robben is hurt and I think he’s a very important player. He would have helped Bayern certainly,” he told reporters.

“But I also think Bayern will get through. German teams have always managed to eliminate individualists.

“Bayern have so much quality and the team is very unified. Therefore, I believe that Bayern will reach the final.”

Bayern and Barcelona last met in the Champions League in 2012-13, when the Bundesliga giants recorded a 7-0 aggregate win before going on to win the competition.

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