Ribery injury forced Costa buy, says Guardiola

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola admits the decision to buy Douglas Costa from Shakhtar Donetsk is related to Franck Ribery’s injury problems.

Ribery, 32, only managed to start nine matches in the Bundesliga last season and hasn’t featured for the Bavarians since March because of an ankle injury.

The German side wrapped up the signing of Costa for £21m earlier in the week and Guardiola admits it was a position that needed strengthening with both Ribery and Arjen Robben suffering with injuries.

“We needed a player that can go one on one. [Arjen] Robben and Ribery have been injured, that’s why we brought in Douglas Costa,” said Guardiola in his press conference on Thursday.

Nevertheless, the news that Ribery could be on his way out will still be a blow for Bayern. The Frenchman has registered more assists in Germany's top-flight than any other player over the last 5 seasons (54).