The last few days have been difficult for Bayern Munich on the pitch as they suffered two consecutive defeats for the first time this season. After last weekend’s 3-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Lazio in the first leg of the UCL round of 16.
When it rains, it pours. Thomas Tuchel has not been helped by injuries in the squad. The German coach has suffered another setback this week. Bayern have ruled Sacha Boey for a few weeks due to a big hamstring strain. The French defender is certainly ruled out for Sunday’s league game against VfL Bochum.
Boey has made three appearances for Bayern across all competitions since arriving from Galatasaray at the end of the winter transfer window. It is a massive blow for the French full-back since injury will delay his adaptation period in the team and Bundesliga.
Thomas Tuchel does have Noussair Mazraoui available for the game against Bochum. The Moroccan full-back featured in the last three games after returning from the AFCON. Tuchel will hope to see Mazraoui fit at least for the next few weeks since he is the only fit right-back in the squad.
Konrad Laimer has played in the right-back role for Bayern this season. However, the Austrian midfielder is currently on the sidelines due to a calf injury. He has started individual training at Sabner Strasse, but his return to the squad is expected early in March.
Tuchel is also without Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman in the attack. Gnabry is expected to return before the second leg against Lazio on March 5. Meanwhile, Coman is expected to recover completely from a serious knee injury by the start of May.
Alphonso Davies was spotted training individually at Sabner Strasse this week. The Canadian left-back is also recovering from a minor injury that he suffered against Borussia Monchengladbach two weeks ago. It remains to be seen if he will be available for the trip to Bochum on Sunday. Daniel Peretz and Bouna Sarr are the long-term absentees for Bayern.
Thomas Tuchel and Bayern desperately need a win on Sunday to keep their title hopes alive. The German coach is under immense pressure as speculation continues to grow over his future in Munich. If results and performances do not improve sooner rather than later, then Tuchel could be on his way out at Bayern by end of the season.