Bayern Munich faces further personnel issues ahead of its Bundesliga away game against SC Freiburg. Two key players—Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer—were absent from Friday’s training session. While the midfielder’s availability remains in doubt for personal reasons, the Bayern captain also took a break.
Kimmich had already missed last Wednesday’s Champions League match against Arsenal (2–2). The reason is a death in the family.
As reported by BILD, the German national team player also did not participate in team training on Friday. It remains to be seen whether Kimmich will be available again for Sunday’s match (5:30 p.m.) against SC Freiburg.
For Vincent Kompany, another absence would be a bitter blow from a sporting perspective. The Bayern coach already had to do without his most important playmaker in central midfield against Arsenal.
Neuer is once again absent from Bayern training
In addition to Kimmich, Manuel Neuer was also surprisingly absent from the training field on Friday. According to BILD, the 40-year-old instead completed exercises at the training center on Säbener Straße and received treatment.
The Bayern captain had already missed the two competitive matches against RB Leipzig (6-1) and Viking Stavanger (3-3). The reason was fluid buildup in his foot.
Although Neuer made his comeback in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal and was back between the posts, he took another break from training on Friday.
It is not yet known whether this is merely a precautionary measure or if the veteran is once again experiencing discomfort.
Urbig could return to goal against Freiburg
If Neuer isn’t ready to play on Sunday, Jonas Urbig will once again take his place between the posts. The 23-year-old has already filled in for the Bayern captain several times this season and could make his fifth competitive appearance against Freiburg.
On Friday, Urbig trained alongside Sven Ulreich and young goalkeeper David Podar-Stiube at the new goalkeeper training facility on Säbener Straße.
In addition to Kimmich and Neuer, two other offensive stars were also absent from the session.
Jamal Musiala continues to work toward his return after suffering a torn muscle fiber in his right thigh. Luis Díaz is also out. The Colombian sustained a minor muscle tear in his left thigh against Arsenal and will be sidelined for several weeks.
As a result, the personnel situation at Germany’s record-holding champions remains tight.