Bayern Munich faces a demanding week with significant squad updates impacting their upcoming DFB-Pokal clash against 1. FC Magdeburg and the Bundesliga fixture against Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarian giants secured a 3-1 victory over SC Freiburg on Sunday, but attention now turns to player availability for the busy schedule.
Key Absences for Magdeburg Cup Tie
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is expected to be rested for Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal match against 1. FC Magdeburg due to a persistent foot problem. The club hopes to have the veteran shot-stopper back for the crucial Bundesliga encounter with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich will also be unavailable for the Magdeburg game. He missed the recent matches against Arsenal and Freiburg following a family bereavement. There is a possibility he could return for the Dortmund fixture, provided he feels ready to play after the funeral.
Longer-term absentees Luis Díaz, who is recovering from a muscle tear, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, who recently underwent surgery for appendicitis, are both confirmed to miss both of this week’s matches.
Jamal Musiala is also expected to remain sidelined. The German international has not yet returned to team training following a muscle fibre tear sustained while on international duty. He is anticipated to get some playing time before the next international break in November.
Potential Returns for Dortmund Clash
While several players are out for the midweek cup tie, there is positive news regarding potential returns for the high-stakes Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund. Alongside the hopeful returns of Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich, two other key defenders could feature.
Aleksandar Pavlović and Kim Min-jae, both of whom have been managing minor injuries recently, completed individual training on Monday. They could make their return to the squad for Saturday’s highly anticipated Klassiker.
Bayern Munich will need to manage their squad depth carefully as they navigate these important fixtures, particularly with the Bundesliga clash against rivals Borussia Dortmund looming large.