After his long injury layoff, Serge Gnabry is poised to take the next step. Vincent Kompany expects him to see some playing time against Union.
Serge Gnabry is on the verge of making his return to the field for FC Bayern. The 31-year-old was back in the Munich squad for the first time after a roughly five-month injury layoff during the 2-1 win against Elversberg, though he did not see any playing time in that match. That is set to change on Friday evening (8:30 p.m.) against Union Berlin.
At the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match, Vincent Kompany hinted that Gnabry would see some playing time. The Bayern coach emphasized that the record champions did not want to take any risks with the attacking player’s return: “Serge played very well in the number 10 position last season, though he also played on the wing there. We’ve waited a long time for Serge to give us the green light that he’s feeling good. I expect he’ll get some playing time against Union.”
Gnabry suffered a severe muscle injury in his adductor region before the final stretch of last season and subsequently missed the World Cup. In recent weeks, his training load has been gradually increased. Now the path seems clear for his return to the field.
Kompany will have a full squad to draw from against Union
There’s also more positive news on the personnel front ahead of the Union game. Kompany currently has his entire squad at his disposal: “I can only compliment our medical and athletic training staff. We’re playing at the highest possible intensity. We have the entire team at our disposal. We want to keep it that way. The three-week international break—that’s a time when we hope the guys stay fit. Then I’m sure we’ll be in a strong position in the season.”
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Meanwhile, against Union, Kompany expects an opponent that could tailor its style of play specifically to Bayern: “We always discuss the opponent’s approach. Schalke and Bodo/Glimt came in with a completely different game plan; we’re used to teams having a ‘Bayern game plan.’ As a coach, you always need that instinct. Union has undergone a major overhaul. They’ve brought in a very successful coach. The confidence he brings will also have an impact on the decisions made. No matter what happens, we’re prepared for an opponent to make adjustments.”
