Bayern Munich: Nagelsmann set to make changes against Bochum
Bayern Munich will be looking to make three Bundesliga wins in a row when they travel away to Bochum on Sunday. The defending champions have enjoyed a terrific start to the season with convincing wins against Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. Bayern Munich also managed to beat RB Leipzig in DFL Supercup at the start of August.
Julian Nagelsmann has been fielding the same starting XI in the first three games of the season. The German coach may not have the same luxury to do on Sunday as numerous players are currently on the sideline due to injuries.
Nagelsmann confirmed on Friday that Jamal Musiala would not play in the game against Bochum. The young German attacking midfielder has a strain in the adductor. This injury to Musiala is not a big concern, but he will definitely miss the game against Bochum.
Musiala will be a big miss for Sunday’s game since he has been Bayern’s best player this season. The German attacking midfielder has scored four goals in three games. He is currently the top scorer in the Bundesliga. The youngster has thrived higher up the pitch as Nagelsmann has used him upfront with Sadio Mane.
Leroy Sane is likely to replace Musiala in the starting lineup against Bochum. The German winger has started the season on the bench, but he looked lively in the second half against Wolfsburg last weekend. He will have the chance to build on that performance and impress Nagelsmann against Bochum.
Julian Nagelsmann: "Jamal Musiala will miss Sunday's game due to a strain in the adductor area. It's nothing dramatic, but we have to be careful" pic.twitter.com/cEBANfxjLQ
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 19, 2022
Apart from Musiala, Dayot Upamecano could also miss the trip to Bochum on Sunday. The French defender has a knock on the fibula. Nagelsmann admitted that the French defender is doubtful for Sunday’s game. The French international has been in fine form for Rekordmeister this season.
Matthijs de Ligt was the most likely replacement for Upamecano in the heart of the defense. However, the Dutch defender’s involvement on Sunday is also in doubt. He has a torn ligament in his hand. Matthijs de Ligt will be available for selection if he feels no pain in his hand. Benjamin Pavard may have to start in central defense if de Ligt doesn’t recover in time.
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Earlier this week, Serge Gnabry trained indoors due to a wrist injury and adductor problems. The German forward was substituted at half-time against Wolfsburg. He returned to training later this week, but it remains to be seen if he starts on Sunday. Kingsley Coman could replace him in the lineup against Bochum.
Leon Goretzka has resumed running on the pitch this week since suffering a knee injury at the start of the pre-season tour. The German midfielder is expected to be back early next month. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Joshua Zirkzee are likely to be available for the game against Bochum.
Possible Starting XI:
"NeuerMazraoui-Pavard-Hernandez-DaviesComan-Kimmich-Sabitzer-SaneMuller-Mane"