Bayern Munich are heading into Sunday’s clash with SC Freiburg looking like a team that accidentally left half its squad at home. And, just for good measure, the head coach is out of action, too.
Vincent Kompany remains hospitalized following his collapse, leaving assistant coach Aaron Danks and the rest of the staff to take charge of preparations. The priority is rightfully getting Kompany healthy, but that does not make the footballing challenge any easier.
Manuel Neuer is out with persistent tendonitis
in his foot, meaning Jonas Urbig is expected to start in goal. Joshua Kimmich remains with his family following a bereavement, while Jamal Musiala is still working his way back from injury. Kim Min-jae has also been ruled out after picking up a minor strain, and Bayern Munich will be without Aleksandar Pavlović and Luis Díaz as well.
That is a ridiculous amount of quality, experience, and leadership missing from one squad. Bayern Munich will need to piece together a makeshift XI, rely on their squad depth, and hope their remaining stars can carry the load against a Freiburg side that should not be underestimated.
Harry Kane and Michael Olise will be particularly important in providing the attacking firepower, while everyone else will need to step up and embrace their responsibilities.
Bayern Munich have the talent to win this game, but the circumstances are far from ideal.
Can Bayern Munich overcome the absences, rally around their coaching staff, and secure three points against Freiburg, or is this finally too much adversity for one team to handle?
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