Bayern Munich had to rely on Alphonso Davies in the left-back position during the first three months of the season. The Canadian is likely to play frequently in the coming weeks as Raphael Guerreiro suffers another injury setback. The Portuguese full-back has spent significant time on the sidelines after joining Bayern from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Die Roten released a statement on Sunday to confirm that Guerreiro is facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a thigh strain in training this week. The Portuguese defender was not part of the squad for the game against Freiburg on Sunday.
Raphael Guerreiro missed the entire pre-season tour due to a muscle injury. The Portuguese full-back made his competitive debut for Bayern against Preussen Munster in the DFB Pokal a few days ago. He made his Bundesliga debut for Die Roten in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig.
It is a significant blow for Bayern since Thomas Tuchel considers Guerreiro a crucial player in the squad. Along with providing competition to Davies in the left-back position, the Portuguese defender can also play in the central midfield at a great level. Considering how thin Die Roten’s midfield is, it was essential for Guerreiro to be fit for the rest of the Hinrunde.
Bayern has not revealed a fixed timeline for Guerreiro’s return. Considering the nature of the statement, it does look like he will need weeks to be back in the first-team training. Tuchel and Bayern will hope that recovery goes smoothly and there are no relapses since it is the second muscular injury for Guerreiro in the space of three months
In the absence of Guerreiro, Noussair Mazraoui can be an option for Rekordmeister in the left-back position if Davies needs rest. The Moroccan full-back has previously played for Die Roten and the national team in the past.
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Apart from Guerreiro, Serge Gnabry is also currently in the treatment room due to a forearm injury. The German forward suffered a serious injury to his forearm during Die Roten’s victory against Preussen Munster in DFB Pokal. Gnabry underwent surgery after last week to repair the damage. He is expected to be out for four to six weeks due to this injury.
Manuel Neuer is also closing on a return from a serious leg injury. The German goalkeeper has been on the sidelines since December due to this injury. Neuer is expected to play against Mainz after the international break.