The injury situation at FC Bayern is taking a dramatic turn for the worse. In the Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund of all games, the German record champions had to cope with two more setbacks. After Ismael Saibari was substituted due to injury early in the match, Serge Gnabry also went down shortly thereafter. As a result, the Munich side currently has only three of its seven established offensive players available.
Even before the big match against BVB, the roster situation was already tight. With Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz out, the team is missing two key players. Now, with Saibari and Gnabry, two more players are likely to be sidelined.
It’s particularly bitter: Both players were in the starting lineup against Dortmund and had to leave the field within minutes. For interim coach Aaron Danks, who continues to stand in for the ailing Vincent Kompany, the personnel situation is thus becoming an ever-greater challenge.
Only Kane, Olise, and Karl are still available to play
A look at Munich’s attacking roster highlights the extent of the injury crisis.
Of the seven established forwards, only Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Lennart Karl are currently available.
Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz have been sidelined for quite some time. Now, with Saibari and Gnabry, two more players who normally play key roles in Munich’s attack have been injured.
While Saibari appeared to be having knee problems after a challenge with Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, Gnabry had to receive treatment on his left foot shortly afterward.
The Moroccan was unable to leave the field on his own and had to be supported by medical staff. Gnabry also had to be substituted. Josip Stanisic came on to replace the German national team player.
The severity of the injuries sustained by the two offensive players is not yet known. Further examinations will determine whether they will miss games beyond the “Klassiker.”
Bayern faces a real personnel crisis
If Saibari and Gnabry are sidelined for an extended period, it would have a significant impact on the coming weeks.
Above all, the lack of alternatives on offense could become a problem for the record champions. Kane and Olise are virtually indispensable anyway, while youngster Karl continues to struggle with inconsistent form following his long injury layoff.
Given the current situation, the 18-year-old could take on a more prominent role much sooner than originally planned.
For Danks and Kompany, the injury crisis also means they may have to improvise when filling the attacking positions.
While players like Alphonso Davies, Nathaniel Brown, and Tom Bischof are available and can take on more attacking roles, Bayern Munich currently lacks numerous traditional attacking options.
The Munich team’s hopes are therefore likely pinned above all on the injuries to Saibari and Gnabry proving to be less serious than initially feared.