FC Bayern could make several lineup changes ahead of their Bundesliga match against 1. FSV Mainz 05. After the intense past few weeks, the coaching staff is apparently considering resting certain players. Aaron Danks provided insight into the current roster situation at Friday’s press conference.
“Most of the players trained yesterday,” explained the Bayern assistant coach. There’s good news regarding Manuel Neuer. After the captain had recently been struggling with foot problems, nothing seems to stand in the way of him playing this weekend.
Danks confirmed: “Manuel Neuer is back in training; things are looking good for the game.” This means the Bayern goalkeeper is likely to be back between the posts against Mainz. Neuer already made his comeback in the match against Atlético.
The situation with Aleksandar Pavlovic has not yet been fully clarified. The midfielder has also been participating in training recently. Whether he’ll be fully available for the match, however, depends on how he handles the physical demands. “Now we have to see how his legs respond,” Danks explained. Pavlovic was rested against Atlético as a precaution.
Davies might get a rest
In addition to Pavlovic, the coaching staff is also managing the workload of other key players. After the intense past few weeks, some players might be given a break. Alphonso Davies, in particular, is a focus of attention.
Danks explained: “With a few players, we need to assess whether to sit them out after the high workload—Alphonso Davies, for example; his explosiveness also requires rest periods.” Prudent workload management is especially important for a player with the Canadian’s athletic qualities.
The final decisions are expected to be made on Friday. The coaching staff wants to take into account, above all, how the players have responded to the recent demands. “We’ll make the decision today based on the players’ reactions,” Danks announced. Which stars will actually get a break against Mainz is therefore likely to be decided at the last minute.
