Hope for FC Bayern: Michael Olise took part in training on Monday. Can he play in the Champions League showdown against Atlético Madrid?
An encouraging sign, though with one obvious caveat: Michael Olise took part in FC Bayern’s training session on Monday before the team’s departure for Madrid. However, his right knee was bandaged during the session. Following his injury-forced substitution against Borussia Dortmund, the Munich side can now hope to see the Frenchman in action against Atlético. His participation in training does not yet mean he’s completely cleared to play.
For interim coach Aaron Danks, Olise’s availability would be particularly important given the numerous absences. Whether the 24-year-old will actually be able to play in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, however, remains to be seen.
Until recently, Bayern had been worried about Olise’s participation in the trip to Madrid. According to a report by the French sports newspaper L’Équipe, the attacking player had received treatment on Sunday for issues with his right knee. A stress test on Monday was supposed to determine whether he would be available for the away game.
Olise is training with a knee brace—Bayern can still hold out hope
Concerns about the Frenchman arose during the 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund. Olise had to be substituted in the 85th minute and left the Allianz Arena limping after the final whistle. While the Munich club announced the diagnoses for Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry on Sunday, there was initially no update regarding Olise.
Now, at least, he has been able to return to training. This is a positive development, even if it remains to be seen whether he’ll be fit enough to play in Madrid. Given the already tight squad situation, another absence would be difficult to compensate for.
Saibari and Gnabry are unavailable for the Derby for the time being due to their injuries. The Moroccan has already undergone successful surgery for a torn syndesmotic ligament. Gnabry is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz are also out.
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If Olise is also sidelined, Harry Kane and Lennart Karl would be the only available players from the established attacking lineup. Danks would then have to fill several positions with alternative solutions. Against Dortmund, Alphonso Davies already moved up front, while Nathaniel Brown helped out in attacking midfield.
With Olise, however, Kompany’s stand-in on the right wing would have one of his most important attacking options at his disposal. At the same time, there would be more flexibility for using Karl, who could then also be an option in the center behind Kane.
Despite the personnel setbacks, Danks had expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the match against Atlético. Olise’s return to the training field reinforces that hope. It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will be ready for the game with his injured knee.