Bayern Munich: Leon Goretzka expected to return for Borussia Dortmund clash
Bayern Munich were part of the most eventful game on matchday nine of the Bundesliga. The Bavarian club scored eight second-half goals at Allianz Arena against SV Darmstadt. The game between Bayern and Darmstadt also saw three red cards in the first half.
Joshua Kimmich was one of the players sent off in the game against Darmstadt. The German midfielder couldn’t control a pass from Manuel Neuer at the edge of the box in the fourth minute, which ultimately led to a rash challenge from him to regain possession.
Die Roten did well in the absence of Kimmich for the remainder of the game since Darmstadt were reduced to nine men. The brunt of the red card in this game will be felt next weekend as Kimmich is suspended for the big game away at Borussia Dortmund on matchday ten of the Bundesliga.
In the absence of Kimmich, Konrad Laimer is expected to start in the number six role. Since Bayern currently have only three natural senior central midfielders, Thomas Tuchel may have to look for a different system against Dortmund. However, there is a decent chance of Tuchel having Leon Goretzka available for Der Klassiker.
According to AZ, Goretzka’s recovery from a hand injury is going well. The German midfielder is expected to start training with the first team this week. It remains to be seen if he will be fit to start the game against Borussia Dortmund.
Jamal Musiala could be another option in the center of the park for Tuchel. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has previously played in the number eight role to great effect. Playing Musiala in a deeper role may see Thomas Muller start in the number ten role behind Harry Kane.
Goretzka has been in decent form for Bayern this season. The German midfielder scored away at Mainz before suffering a hand injury. The Bavarian faithful and Thomas Tuchel will hope that Leon Goretzka gets a few training sessions under his belt this week and gets the rhythm to start against Dortmund.
Next. Tactical takeaways from 8-0 win against Darmstadt. dark
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Meanwhile, Kingsley Coman is expected to be fit for Der Klassiker. The French forward was substituted against Darmstadt due to a minor injury. However, Bayern are not worried about Coman’s participation in the game against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. Raphael Guerreiro is expected to be part of the matchday squad against Saarbrucken in DFP Pokal on Wednesday after recovering from a thigh strain.