Bayern Munich will be without attackers Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari for the coming months due to injury. The club confirmed the diagnoses following their 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund, a result that extended their recent form to two wins, two draws and one loss from the last five matches.
Gnabry, 31, suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh. He is expected to be sidelined for one to two months. Saibari, 25, tore the syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle in a challenge with Gregor Kobel and has already undergone surgery. His recovery is typically around three months.
Sporting director Max Eberl addressed the mounting injury crisis. “Honestly, it feels a bit heavy, what's happening around us,” he said. In addition to the two new signings, Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer are also injured. Michael Olise, the current top scorer with six goals this season, was substituted against Dortmund with a knee issue. His availability for the key Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday remains in doubt.
Attack Worn Thin
This leaves head coach Vincent Kompany, who is himself recovering from a head injury, with only Harry Kane and Lennart Karl as fully fit forwards. The injury wave hits the club during a busy period of important fixtures. After the trip to Madrid, a Bundesliga away game at Mainz 05 follows on Saturday. The recent form, featuring the draw with Dortmund and a 2-0 win in Madrid, shows a team under strain.
A potential positive is the possible return of Manuel Neuer. The captain could be back in goal for the match in Madrid. However, the injury to Jonas Urbig during the Dortmund game highlights the overall fragility. The squad must now handle the upcoming challenges on the fixtures list with the players left available. The next opportunity comes on Saturday in Mainz.
The original report is at Der Spiegel Fussball
