Match Preview: Bayern Munich begin title defense against Schalke

Bayern Munich players celebrate 2019/20 Bundesliga title win. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich players celebrate 2019/20 Bundesliga title win. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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Chris Richards, Robert Lewandowski, and Javi Martinez in training for Bayern Munich (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Chris Richards, Robert Lewandowski, and Javi Martinez in training for Bayern Munich (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Team News for Bayern Munich

Die Roten will not have a complete squad available for the game against Schalke. Kingsley Coman tested negative for COVID after he was in contact with someone in his entourage who was infected. He has not been training with the squad, so he will not be ready for the game.

Leroy Sane got much needed minutes on the pitch with the national team. The German winger got very less playing time after recovering from a serious knee injury at Man City as his transfer was sealed at the start of July. He is likely to start against his former club on Friday due to the unavailability of Coman.

Jerome Boateng was training individually last week, but Hansi Flick confirmed on Thursday that he is back with the group and remains an option for Friday. The veteran defender has been recovering from a muscle injury that he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain last weekend.

Thiago Alcantara will not be there in the squad since he is close to completing a move to Liverpool. The Spanish midfield bid farewell to the club on Thursday. Niklas Sule is in line to get his first start since recovering from a knee injury after getting more match rhythm during the international break.