FC Bayern can breathe a sigh of relief ahead of the decisive semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. After a tense few weeks with regard to injuries, Vincent Kompany now has significantly more options at his disposal again – a factor that could prove decisive in the clash with the French top club
Above all, the return of several recently injured players is a source of optimism at Säbener Straße, with Tom Bischof making his squad comeback last weekend in the 3-3 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim after tearing a muscle fibre
More importantly, Lennart Karl and Raphael Guerreiro are also back in team training on time. Both completed the final training session before the PSG clash without any problems and are therefore available again
Karl had recently missed seven competitive games, including the spectacular 4:5 in the first leg in Paris, while Guerreiro had to take a break due to muscular problems and was absent for two games
Kompany speaks of „huge difference“
Coach Vincent Kompany expressed his satisfaction with the current situation at the final press conference: „With the exception of Serge Gnabry, everyone is fit and involved. That’s the basis and that’s a huge difference to last season,“ the Belgian explained at the final press conference
This statement illustrates the importance of having a wide range of personnel, especially in the decisive phase of the season. While Kompany often had to improvise last season, he can now almost draw from the full
The only downer is the absence of Serge Gnabry, who will no longer be able to play due to adductor problems and whose season has ended prematurely
Gnabry would have been a valuable option, especially with regard to the attacking rotation, but his absence is less significant than it was a few weeks ago given the otherwise relaxed personnel situation
More options for the crucial minutes
The return of players such as Karl, Bischof and Guerreiro gives Kompany additional options, especially in the final stages of the game. Fresh forces could make the difference, especially in a possible scenario with extra time
Guerreiro brings additional flexibility to the left flank, while Karl can provide pace as a dynamic option from the bench
The personnel situation is a factor that should not be underestimated ahead of a match in which small things can make the difference
FC Bayern will go into the second leg against PSG with almost a full squad – putting them in a much better starting position than just a few weeks ago
For Kompany, this means one thing above all: maximum flexibility for what could be the most important evening of the season.