Bayern Munich: Leon Goretzka set to miss game against France

With Euro 2020 just a day away, teams are gearing up for the first game of the tournament. Germany will begin the tournament against France on June 15. The German national team has suffered a big blow for this game as Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is set to miss this game due to injury.

Leon Goretzka has been on the sidelines since the start of May. The German midfielder was not involved in the final few league games of the season for Bayern. Until the start of last week, Goretzka was not training on the pitch.

The 26-year-old midfielder eventually started training on the pitch midway through the last week. He has been training away from the group with Toni Kroos, who has recovered from COVID-19 before the first game against France.

Goretzka was previously expected to feature against France. However, Oliver Bierhoff confirmed on Thursday (via iMiaSanMia) that Goretzka will not be available for the game against France. Leon Goretzka did start training with the squad, but he is eyeing a return against Portugal in the second group game.

"“He is able to train with the team, but he won’t be an option for the first game. Leon is an incredibly important player and I’m sure that he will end up playing an integral role for us.”"

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During the emphatic win against Latvia, Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan was the midfield pairing. With Goretzka out of the game against France, Joachim Low is likely to stick with Kroos and Gundogan in the center of the park. The German manager is likely to stick with the three at the back, allowing Joshua Kimmich to play in the right wing-back role.

Kimmich has been impressive for Die Roten in the center of the park. However, Germany has good options in central midfield, but no one better than Kimmich in the right-back/wing-back position. Kimmich is very productive in this role due to his sound positional sense and consistency in playing the killer pass.

Niklas Sule and Jamal Musiala will be fit for the game against France. Both players also had minor injury problems in the last few weeks, but they featured for Germany in the friendly games. Sule is not a guaranteed starter in central defense, while Musiala is likely to be a wildcard option for Low from the bench during Euro 2020.

Thomas Muller played a fluid role in the attack against Latvia. The German forward got himself on the scoresheet. His form is going to be crucial for Germany’s hopes of going deep in the competition. In the defense, Mats Hummels will also bring much-needed experience to make Germany a solid unit.