Bayern Munich finally return to action this weekend as they take on Augsburg away from home at the WWK Arena. Augsburg currently sits fourth in the Bundesliga, just three points behind second-place Bayern. This game could prove tricky for Bayern as it has in the past, but this time, it will be down to one thing: injuries, and for Bayern Munich, they're carrying a big one.
Jamal Musiala left the Germany camp just days into the international break after suffering an injury in warm-ups for Germany's match against the Netherlands. Musiala has been back at the training ground going through his recovery but still isn't fit enough to return to the squad, which is a major blow for Vincent Kompany and his game plan. Musiala has been on fire this season, grabbing two goals and one assist in four games, and will no doubt prove to be tough to replace. But thankfully for Kompany, he has a few options he can choose from.
Vincent Kompany has a tough task on his hands to fill Musiala's shoes
1. Ismail Saibari at 10, Olise on the right-wing
Our first option would see new summer signing Isamail Saibari get just his fourth start of the season, being the player called on to fill the role left by Musiala's injury. Saibari played at number 10 on occasion during his time at PSV and would be a natural fit for Kompany to call on. He's already grabbed two assists so far this season and has incredible vision and playmaking, so calling on him would make perfect sense. Playing Saibari centrally would also allow Olise to stay in his preferred right-wing position, keeping a good balance across the attacking line.
2. Olise at 10, Lennart Karl on the right-wing
Option number two would see Olise shift inward to the number 10 role and Lennart Karl getting the start on the right. Olise played at 10 for France during the World Cup and put on an incredible showing, and given he's the most talented playmaker on the team, moving him centrally just for a game or two wouldn't be a bad choice. That means Lennart Karl would most likely be the player to slot in at right-wing, and that's not a bad option either, as Karl has gotten off to a strong start to the season, grabbing one goal and one assist through five matches.
3. Nathaniel Brown at 10, Olise on the right-wing
We come to our final option, one that Kompany has already used this season, which would see new signing Nathaniel Brown slot in at 10, allowing Olise to stay on the right-wing. Naturally a left-back, Brown has actually shown a knack for playing in the attack, starting at 10 in the German Super Cup, and found the back of the net en route to victory. This will once again allow Olise to stay in his preferred position on the right-wing where he has been unstoppable so far this season.
Thankfully for Vincent Kompany, he isn't short of options to choose from, but he will have to pick the right one. Bayern have already dropped points once this season and won't be eager to give up any more points as they continue to hunt down first-place Borussia Dortmund.
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