FC Bayern are in the middle of their preparations for the top match against Leverkusen. Things are looking better and better in terms of personnel – with two exceptions
At 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel gathered the FC Bayern professionals for the second session of the week and, after wishing Leon Goretzka a happy birthday on Tuesday, training also began the following day with smiling faces – especially among the coaching team.
Joshua Kimmich and Dayot Upamecano both returned in time for the clash in Leverkusen on Saturday. Both regular players were injured two weeks ago in the replay against Union Berlin (1:0) – Upamecano in his thigh just before the break and Kimmich in his shoulder shortly before the end. They completed parts of the team training session and are to be introduced carefully.
In Kimmich’s absence, home-grown Aleksandar Pavlovic excelled as a double goal scorer, while new signing Eric Dier stepped in for Upamecano and impressed with all his experience alongside Matthijs de Ligt, who is slowly finding his feet again after a difficult few months
It remains to be seen how much residual risk there is with Kimmich and Upamecano. It is already the second thigh injury this season for the French central defender, who made an early return after a short break in the first half of the season and scored in the top match in Dortmund (4:0). Tuchel now has more options, especially as Min-Jae Kim is expected back in Munich on Wednesday afternoon after the Asian Cup semi-final exit with South Korea (0:2 against Jordan) and is due to train on Thursday.
If midfielder Kimmich no longer feels any pain, Tuchel will automatically be faced with the question of whether someone from the six will have to make way – and if so, who.
Neuer feels slight knee problems
Meanwhile, there are slight doubts about Manuel Neuer, who was once again sidelined with a slight knee problem. The goalkeeper and captain will know best how his body reacts after his month-long break last year. The 37-year-old would rather take another break from training and stand between the posts on Saturday. New signing Bryan Zaragoza (flu-like infection) also had to sit out again
