In addition to the usual defensive bottlenecks, FC Bayern Munich is suddenly plagued by personnel concerns in its brilliant offensive ahead of the top game in the Bundesliga against VfB Stuttgart.
In addition to national player Serge Gnabry (muscle tendon injury in the left adductor area), Kingsley Coman is also definitely out injured on Sunday evening (7.30 p.m./Sat.1 and DAZN). And in Bayern’s last home game of the year, the use of ailing striker Harry Kane is “questionable”, as the German record champions reported on their website on Saturday.
In the exciting duel between the second-placed team and the surprisingly strong third-placed team from Stuttgart in the sold-out Allianz Arena, the veteran Thomas Müller, who was recently only considered as a part-time employee by Tuchel, could once again become really important. “Of course he’s in the draw to start,” said the coach.
Müller could replace Coman on the wing, but if necessary also Kane up front. The national players Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala are seeded. Other alternatives beyond Müller on the offensive are Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and youngster Mathys Tel.
Müller in FC Bayern’s starting line-up?
With his experience, Müller is a specialist in top games and was also able to recommend himself as a substitute in last Wednesday’s 1-0 win in the Champions League against Manchester United. After his substitution, Coman scored the winning goal, which he initiated.
The 34-year-old had long since earned a starting eleven, Tuchel said on Friday. “He’s training excellently, there’s no news there. He’s doing sensationally well and played very well again against Man Utd when he came on from the bench.” And Müller can also play on the right wing. “He grew up there too,” said Tuchel, recalling the times of the young Thomas Müller. “None of the four positions up front are a problem for him,” noted the Bayern coach.
With 44 goals in 13 games – an average of 3.4 – the Munich team has the best offense in the league. The loss of Coman, who tore a muscle fiber in his calf in Manchester, hurt, complained Tuchel: “Kingsley decided the game against Man Utd and played very well throughout the entire preliminary round.” However, if Kane were to miss the Bundesliga for the first time, that would be an even greater weakening of the attacking power.
The Englishman was involved in more than 50 percent of Bayern’s goals in the league; He scored 18 and prepared five. Against Stuttgart there should actually be a big shooting competition between Kane and Serhou Guirassy, who has scored 16 times so far.