Bayern Munich: Thomas Muller given two-match UCL suspension
Thomas Muller will miss both Bayern Munich games against Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16 due to suspension.
Bayern Munich take on Premier League leaders Liverpool in the ’18-19 Champions Leauge round of 16. Jurgen Klopp’s side was arguably the toughest team Niko Kovac and Co. could have been drawn against, so it is imperative the Bavarians head into this tie at their absolute best.
Being at their best, though, requires they have their best players available. One player who will miss both matches is Thomas Muller. The Raumdeuter was given the first straight red card of his career in Bayern’s last Champions League match against Ajax.
Muller put his boot dangerously high and unknowingly straight into the back of Nicolas Tagliafico’s head. Unintentional as it might have been, UEFA has punished the Bavarian for his action with a two-match suspension.
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Bayern have previously insisted that they would fight to have any sort of punishment other than a one-match suspension reduced, so they might seek to have Muller’s punishment cut in half. As it stands, though, Thomas Muller will miss both legs against Liverpool.
This is a big blow for the Bavarians, who will now face one of Europe’s toughest teams without a very important player. However, it could certainly be much worse.
The first leg of the tie is still over a month away, so a lot can change between now and then. But it’s questionable whether or not Muller would even start these games if fit. James Rodriguez — who was arguably Bayern’s best player last season — has returned from his injury and will no doubt have his eye on remaining fit for the remainder of the season.
The Colombian will be a huge asset for Niko Kovac in attacking midfield. He’s smooth and elegant on the ball, much more capable of keeping possession against a hard press than Muller. That, along with his vision and ability to unlock a defense, could prove crucial against the Premier League leaders.
It will still be a blow, of course, not to have Thomas Muller as an option for such a big match, but it’s not the end of the world for Bayern Munich.
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If James is to play a key role for the Bavarians against Liverpool in just over a month’s time, Kovac must give him plenty of minutes before then to build some form and get reacclimated into the squad.