Bayern Munich still have to contend with several injuries ahead of Wednesday’s DFB Pokal clash against fellow Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05 with four players missing.
Nearing a return to team training, Wednesday’s game comes too early for Sacha Boey, who has played just 129 minutes this season after suffering a meniscus tear. Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed that Hiroki Itō and Josip Stanišić need a little more time, while Aleksandar Pavlović is sidelined for the foreseeable following a broken collarbone.
Pavlović’s unfortunate injury after a fall in the opening stages of their 4-0 win against Stuttgart means that João Palhinha should retain his position in midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich. Jamal Musiala has also worked his way back from a hip injury and featured against Bochum and could again start against Mainz.
Raphaël Guerreiro and Serge Gnabry, both of whom lost their places to Konrad Laimer and Kingsley Coman at the weekend, could return for Bayern on Wednesday night.
Predicted Bayern Munich XI vs Mainz
Manuel Neuer – Raphaël Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies – Joshua Kimmich, João Palhinha – Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry – Harry Kane
