Bayern Munich has unveiled the confirmed squad that will travel to the USA for the inaugural "rebranded" FIFA Club World Cup. At first glance, despite the absence of a few key players, this squad might be competent enough to challenge for the grand prize.
Goalkeepers
Manuel Neuer, Jonas Urbig, Daniel Peretz, Leon Klanac
The reps between the sticks in the group phase will likely be split between Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig. Neuer will undoubtedly be the number-one choice if Bayern advances further in the competition, but Urbig can well earn this spot if the understudy overperforms his master.
Whether Daniel Peretz will have minutes may depend on his short-term commitment to the club. The backup goalie is reportedly close to a loan move to PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Leon Klanac serves as the emergency option.
Defenders
Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic, Sacha Boey, Konrad Laimer, Raphael Guerreiro, Adam Aznou, Cassiano Kiala
Bayern's starting center-backs last season, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae, are included in the official squad. Upamecano recently returned from a cartilage injury that sidelined him for a lengthy period. Meanwhile, Kim's Achilles problems have been bothering him for half a season. Vincent Kompany may not risk the long-term health of two key players, even for such a crucial campaign.
Jonathan Tah's arrival helped alleviate this crisis. The German will likely be paired with the ultra-consistent Josip Stanisic to form the center-back duo. Cassiano Kiala, the 16-year-old youth prospect, was also called up after spending time with the first team in recent weeks.
Konrad Laimer and Sacha Boey will rotate on the right flank. On the opposite side, Raphael Guerreiro will step up to the starting spot with Alphonso Davies out. Adam Aznou returns from his loan spell at Real Valladolid to back him up.
Midfielders
Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Joao Palhinha, Tom Bischof, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, David Santos Daiber
Bayern will be at full strength in midfield with Jamal Musiala returning from injury. Tom Bischof will also make his debut for Die Roten, wearing number 20.
With that being said, there will be a healthy amount of rotation and competition expected in this tournament. Goretzka, Palhinha, Bischof, Pavlovic, and even Santos Daiber will all have to try their best for a starting role next to Joshua Kimmich in the pivot. Teenage sensation Lennart Karl is also bound to receive some beneficial minutes as a deputy to Musiala.
Attackers
Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, Thomas Muller, Maurice Krattenmacher, Jonah Kusi-Asare, Harry Kane
Leroy Sane has been ruled out of the Club World Cup squad after agreeing on terms with Galatasaray. This leaves Bayern with Gnabry, Coman, and Olise as starting-caliber wingers. Bayern will rely on Michael Olise for his creative output and hope Gnabry and Coman find good form on the left-hand side. Maurice Krattenmacher is also capable of playing on the wings.
Harry Kane will lead the line for Bayern as usual. The Englishman continued his stellar scoring run by finding the back of the net in both games during the international break. Swedish youngster Jonah Kusi-Asare can expect an extended role if Kompany decides to be cautious with Kane's workload.
The Club World Cup will be the last chance for Bayern fans to witness their club legend Thomas Muller suit up in red and white, as the 35-year-old is set to depart at the conclusion of the tournament. He will be more determined than ever to win his final trophy for his boyhood club. Certainly, this desire will be transmitted among his teammates.
Vincent Kompany and the players have arrived in Orlando, Florida, for the first training session. The players who were on international duty, like Harry Kane, Konrad Laimer, and Josip Stanisic, will reunite shortly after.
Bayern Munich will begin their journey in the competition on Sunday against Auckland City.