After two consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich turn their attention to the big Champions League game against Arsenal on Tuesday. The Bavarian club will travel to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg.
The North London side are yet to suffer a defeat in 2024, making Tuesday’s game a stiff challenge for Bayern. Thomas Tuchel has struggled to get results in the Bundesliga during the second half of the season. The German coach wants to salvage the season by bringing the Champions League title back to Allianz Arena. Tuchel’s hopes of getting a positive result against Arsenal received a big boost over the weekend.
Manuel Neuer resumed goalkeeping training on Sunday. The German goalkeeper didn’t feature against Heidenheim and Borussia Dortmund due to a minor muscle injury that he suffered during the international break. Neuer will travel with the squad on Monday and make his return to action against Arsenal.
Leroy Sane, Noussair Mazraoui, and Kingsley Coman missed the game against Heidenheim due to minor injuries. All three players were spotted in training on Sunday, strengthening Tuchel’s options in the final third.
Bayern also received a significant fitness boost on Monday. Aleksandar Pavlovic was spotted in training with the first team at Sabner Strasse earlier today. The 19-year-old German midfielder has been out of action for the last couple of weeks due to illness. He had to withdraw from the German squad during the international break.
Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr are the only outfield players who will miss the game against Arsenal due to injury. The two right-backs are expected to feature in the final few games of the season. Boey has been on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, while Sarr is still recovering from a serious knee injury.
Neuer, Coman, Sané, Mazraoui and Pavlović all back in team training ahead of tomorrow's game. Only Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr are out. #UCL pic.twitter.com/0Mzx0pAAQQ
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 8, 2024
Tuchel extracted a quality performance from the squad against Lazio in the round of 16 when they were in danger of getting knocked out. The German coach will need a similar level of performance from his players to beat Arsenal. The North London side is currently leading the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s system and tactics have helped Arsenal to become a defensively resolute team. They also play quality football in the final third, making them one of the best teams in Europe this season.
Bayern got the better of Arsenal several times in the Champions League over the last decade. They went into those games as favourites. However, the roles are reversed this season. It will take a commendable effort from the Bavarian side to beat Arsenal over two legs. Tuchel will be pleased to have all his key players back in the squad to overcome this big hurdle in the Champions League.