It is a huge weekend in the Bundesliga as Bayern Munich travel away to Borussia Dortmund for Der Klassiker. The German Champions have lately enjoyed a good record against their arch-rivals. However, Julian Nagelsmann has suffered a big blow to his plans for this game.
According to Kicker (via iMiaSanMia), Leon Goretzka might miss Der Klassiker due to hip problems. The German midfielder has not been completely training with the first team, which further raises doubts about his participation in the game against Dortmund.
Goretzka’s absence will lead to further changes to Nagelsmann’s plans for the Der Klassiker. Joshua Kimmich is already ruled out for this game since he is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. It does look like the first-choice midfield pivot will not be playing Die Roten’s biggest away game in the Bundesliga this season.
Corentin Tolisso looks certain to play in the center of the park on Saturday. The Frenchman has delivered decent performances this season, but injury problems have not helped him to get a long run in the starting XI.
Leon Goretzka is struggling with hip problems, according to Kicker - could miss the Dortmund game
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 2, 2021
The big selection headache for Nagelsmann on Saturday will be in the number six role. In the absence of Kimmich, Goretzka was supposed to start in this position. The next genuine option for Nagelsmann in this role will be Marc Roca. The Spaniard recently got his first minutes of the season in the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv. It will be a brave move from the German coach if he decides to start the Spanish midfielder.
Marcel Sabitzer is another option in the central midfield. The Austrian midfielder has missed the last two games due to injury, so it remains to be seen if he is fit for the clash against Dortmund. Tolisso may have to drop deep if Sabitzer is going to partner him in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Josip Stanisic has also been ruled out for a few weeks due to injury. Mickael Cuisance and Bouna Sarr are also on the sidelines, while Tanguy Nianzou is back in training. The French center-back could be a wildcard option in midfield since he has previously played as a defensive midfielder at Paris Saint-Germain.
The game against Dortmund will be a big tactical challenge for Nagelsmann. It will not be a surprise if he changes the system depending on the midfield personnel that is available for selection. Nevertheless, it will be a fascinating watch as Die Roten look to improve lead at the top of the table.