Serge Gnabry could make his return for Bayern Munich in their Champions League season opener against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday. Yahoo Sports reported on Tuesday, citing coach Vincent Kompany, who indicated the winger might be involved after the final training session.
Gnabry suffered an adductor muscle tear in his right leg at the end of last season. The injury ruled him out of Germany's World Cup campaign as well as the conclusion and start of Bayern's domestic season. "With Serge Gnabry we have to see and speak after training - there's a possibility he could be involved," Kompany said. "We want to be sure that he feels his best, though."
Who else is available?
Alongside Gnabry, Jamal Musiala could also feature again. The attacking midfielder had to take a break after suffering absence seizures during two pre-season games, but is on the path to recovery according to Kompany. "Jamal Musiala has played some minutes now but is still being built up," the coach explained. "He's felt good since being back training with the team." The return of both players is timely, as the first matchday of the new Champions League league phase is spread over three days, handing Bayern a rare Thursday home fixture.
Vincent Kompany's team must prepare for a tricky opponent. Bodø/Glimt caused a stir in last season's Champions League by stunning Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan. The Bayern coach described the Norwegian club as a "great story for football" with players who run a lot, defend, and press clearly. The Munich side is aware of the potential "banana skin" but, naturally, has bigger ambitions in the competition.
What is Manuel Neuer's role?
In goal for Bayern Munich, captain Manuel Neuer is almost certain to start. The 40-year-old goalkeeper will be the number one for the Champions League opener, while Jonas Urbig is set to be the cup keeper for the German Cup. Neuer himself made a notable statement ahead of the match. He said this could be his final Champions League season before a possible retirement.
Winning the title for a third time would mean "everything" to him personally, Neuer stated. The big goal is to be Champions League winners. His experience will be invaluable in a group featuring Bodø/Glimt and fellow Norwegians Viking Stavanger later in the phase. Neuer called it "something special" to play against both clubs from Norway, a sign of the quality of Norwegian football and its league.
What does the senior squad look like?
The returns of Gnabry and Musiala bolster a squad set for multiple competitions. Bayern Munich's current squad list shows considerable depth in attack, which now gains further options. For planning the coming weeks, a look at the fixtures schedule is also key, as it holds further demanding tasks after the Champions League opener.
The injury situation remains a topic of constant interest for fans. Current updates can be found on the club's injuries page. Following the match against Bodø/Glimt, the next Bundesliga home game against 1. FC Köln awaits Vincent Kompany's team on September 13th.
