The gameweek 21 will have a defining fixture in the title race as Bayern Munich travel to Bayer Leverkusen. The defending Bundesliga champions are trailing Bayer Leverkusen by two points in the points table. A win at Bay Arena on Saturday will see Bayern move to the top spot in the Bundesliga.
The last couple of weeks have been difficult for Bayern in terms of injuries. However, everything is not doom and gloom. Ahead of the crucial game against Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern have provided positive updates on the fitness of two senior players.
Joshua Kimmich has started training on the pitch after missing the last couple of games due to a shoulder injury. The German midfielder is expected to join first-team training later this week to be in contention for the trip to Leverkusen.
Dayot Upamecano was also spotted training individually at Sabner Strasse this week. The French defender has been out of action since the win against Union Berlin. Upamecano is also expected to make it to the squad for the top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
Joshua Kimmich and Dayot Upamecano still working individually with the ball today [🎥 @vcatalina96]pic.twitter.com/VfUOJEXGHU
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 6, 2024
Kimmich and Upamecano are two key players for Tuchel. The return of these two players will increase Die Roten’s chances of getting a win at Bay Arena. It remains to be seen if they will straightaway slot in the starting XI or come off the bench in the second half.
Tuchel can afford to ease both players back into action since their replacements have done a fine job over the last few games. Eric Dier has looked solid in central defense since coming on for Upamecano against Union Berlin. The English defender has looked on the same wavelength as Matthijs de Ligt in the heart of defense.
Meanwhile, Aleksandar Pavlovic has been Bayern’s best player in the last two games. The 19-year-old German midfielder has looked solid in the holding midfield role. He has also chipped in with two crucial goals against Augsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if Tuchel sticks with Dier and Pavlovic against Leverkusen instead of rushing Kimmich and Upamecano back into action.
Alphonso Davies will definitely miss the game against Bayer Leverkusen. The Canadian full-back suffered a knee injury against Monchengladbach, which will keep him out for at least three weeks. Kingsley Coman also remains on the sidelines as he begins recovery from a serious knee injury, which he suffered against Augsburg. The French winger is set to be out for at least three months.