Bayern Munich sweating over fitness of several players before Real Madrid clash
The last few weeks have been difficult for Bayern Munich when it comes to injuries. The Bavarian club has lost key players to injuries. On Saturday, the game against Eintracht Frankfurt saw another two Bayern players picking up injuries.
Konrad Laimer and Matthijs de Ligt are doubts for the big game against Real Madrid on Tuesday after picking up injuries against Eintracht Frankfurt. Laimer was substituted midway through the first half after twisting his ankle. The Austrian midfielder was replaced by Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae replaced Matthijs de Ligt at half-time due to a knee injury. The Dutch defender was limping while leaving Allianz Arena at the end of the game. Both players were not involved in the training at Sabner Strasse on Sunday. They are facing a race against time to be fit for the clash against Real Madrid.
It will be a massive blow for Thomas Tuchel if De Ligt and Laimer miss the game on Tuesday. Laimer was a standout performer in the center of the park against Arsenal across two legs, while De Ligt also looked solid in both games. The Dutch defender has formed a good partnership with Eric Dier in the heart of defense.
Apart from Laimer and De Ligt, Bayern are also sweating over the fitness of Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane. Musiala missed the game against Frankfurt due to injury, while Sane has not played for Bayern since the win against Arsenal due to an injury to pubic bone.
Dayot Upamecano was also not in the squad against Eintracht Frankfurt due to injury. Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry will be part of the squad against Real Madrid. The German winger was in first-team training on Sunday. He will come off the bench against the Spanish club after missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury.
With Gnabry not fit to start the game, Tuchel may stick with Raphael Guerreiro on the left flank. The Portuguese full-back excelled in this role against Arsenal, providing the assist for the winner at Allianz Arena. Guerreiro started in this position against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
While talking to the media after the win against Eintracht Frankfurt, Thomas Tuchel hoped to have the most of the squad available for the big game on Tuesday evening. The German coach will need Laimer, Sane, Musiala, and De Ligt in training on Monday to field the same XI that feature against Arsenal in the second leg at Allianz Arena.