Bayern Munich’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann looks on during a training session in Munich, southern Germany on the eve of the Uefa Champions League Group E football match SL Benfica v FC Bayern Munich, October 19, 2021. — AFP pic
MUNICH, Dec 13 — Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich play struggling Stuttgart with a reduced squad tomorrow as coach Julian Nagelsmann said he had some tough calls to make to cover injuries.
The German champions have been left with just two fully fit midfielders, Spain’s Marc Roca and Frenchman Michael Cuisance for the trip to Stuttgart.
Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Marcel Sabitzer and Jamal Musiala are all injured or ill while Corentin Tolisso picked up a painful knock in the weekend win over Mainz that lifted Bayern six points clear at the top.
“Tolisso is injured but we might have to risk playing him,” said Nagelsmann, without specifying the injury.
The coach had a similar approach to 18-year-old Musiala, who broke a bone in his hand against Mainz.
“We should wait, but theoretically he could play,” continued Nagelsmann.
“And it’s the same with Leon Goretzka. We’ll make a decision on his knee depending upon how painful it is.”
Kimmich has been ruled out until January as the 26-year-old recovers from Covid-related lung damage and will not play against Stuttgart who are one point above the relegation zone. — AFP