During Bayern Munich’s press conference on Friday morning, Thomas Tuchel admitted he is at risk of missing up to 5 players ahead of their clash with Arsenal next week in the Champions League.
Bayern will play FC Heidenheim on Saturday before heading to London to face Arsenal in the Champions League Last 16 on Tuesday.
Tuchel explained the current situation by saying: “Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané, Aleks Pavlović (ill), and Nous Mazraoui are not in the squad tomorrow. Rapha Guerreiro is back in the squad. The problem is that all five players are out not because of rest, but all have problems. Therefore they are a doubt for Arsenal as well.”
Bayern are facing a real injury crisis right now, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. The Bundesliga is all but over for Tuchel side, Bayer Leverkusen require just five more points to secure their first-ever Bundesliga title.
The focus for Bayern for the remainder of the season is the Champions League. However, with several key players out, it will be tough to progress against an in-from Arsenal, who themselves are chasing a Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
Bayern’s game against Heidenheim on Saturday will be an interesting watch. Perhaps not because of the game itself, but looking ahead to Tuesday. Tuchel will hope he doesn’t have any more injury problems and they put in a good shift.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
