Does Bayern Munich have depth issues at full-back?

Current injuries, along with the injury-prone history of David Alaba, have left Bayern Munich in a nervy spot at both full-back positions.

Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba are stone-cold locks as starters for Bayern Munich at the left and right full-back positions. When both are healthy and on their game, they are among the best in the world. After them, however, who else is on the roster for depth at those spots? The list includes: Rafinha.

Obviously, we have seen Leon Goretzka play the left-back position this year, and there has been some discussion around Serge Gnabry potentially being given an experimental trial in the back as well. Even so, neither instills much confidence in the position.

With almost two months until Bayern can even think about bringing in a full-back from outside the club, what can be done to give FCB some relief in the event Kimmich or Alaba need a rest or worse, miss time?

Rafinha

As far as depth goes, Rafinha has been an excellent option off the bench for die Roten in the past. He is currently the lone natural full-back on the roster, with the sale of Juan Bernat to PSG in the summer. The 33-year-old Brazilian started frequently under Pep Guardiola, but has only appeared in four matches this season, all at left-back.

Solid, if unspectacular, Rafinha gives a slight insurance policy if David Alaba is hurt or needs a rest. However, that still leaves the problem of further depth for longer-term injuries to either Kimmich and Alaba.

Leon Goretzka

Leon Goretzka played left-back in the disappointing 1-1 draw with Augsburg back in September that began the descent into mini-crisis for Bayern. He didn’t play particularly well, but proved he had potential for the position in a pinch, if given more experience. In time, perhaps he could have similar success to that of Joshua Kimmich converting from defensive midfield to right-back.

Unfortunately, Bayern is not at the strength to be doing much experimentation at this point. Goretzka should stick to midfield, especially now that Thiago looks to miss significant time with injury.

Jerome Boateng

Jerome Boateng has been one of the best German center-backs of all-time. He also has 72 matches in his career at left or right back with a WhoScored rating of 7.10 in those matches, and ample center-back depth behind him in Niklas Sule, Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels.

It’s certainly not the ideal solution, but this seems to be the most realistic option for Niko Kovac if he wants to keep with the use of a back-four.

Back-Three

Something many Bayern fans have been hoping for, Kovac could switch to a formation with a back three. It would allow Kimmich to push up, Alaba to do the same or even be replaced with a wide-playing midfielder, and still keep depth at the back with Kimmich, Alaba, Sule, Boateng, Hummels, and Martinez all available to play in central defense.

We have yet to see this kind of formation, however. It seems unlikely we will see it now. Of course, with some recent controversy surrounding Rafinha’s Halloween antics, desperate times could call for desperate measures.

Ultimately, Bayern need to add depth at full-back in the winter. They sold Juan Bernat, and certainly could use him now. They can’t expect to remain healthy at the position, given what they ask their full-backs to do and the injury history of some of the players on the squad. If I were Kovac, I’d switch formation to a back-three. My second option would be to play Boateng at full-back when necessary.

Next. Bayern Munich reportedly first in line for Paulo Dybala next summer. dark

Let’s just hope the Bavarians can keep from full-back becoming a major issue before the winter break.