Harry Kane arrived at Monday’s press conference in Madrid still receiving congratulations after being named the world’s best footballer. However, on the eve of Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, the club’s immediate concern was the number of players unavailable or doubtful.
Kane said the past few days had been “a bit of a roller coaster” and admitted he did not know who would start in attack. Bayern will be without Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz, while Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry joined the injury list after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund.
Sporting director Max Eberl said Saibari will miss three to four months with a syndesmosis tear in his ankle. Gnabry, who has a muscle injury, is expected to be unavailable until Christmas.
Vincent Kompany is also absent because of a brain membrane irritation. His replacement, Aaron Danks, declined to reveal the lineup. Nathaniel Brown and Lennart Karl are among the candidates for the number 10 position, although Danks indicated that other options were also being considered.
Manuel Neuer and Michael Olise took part in the final training session, but Danks left open whether either player could start or would instead be used from the bench.
Kane also said Bayern were “extremely close” to extending his contract after another positive discussion, adding that an announcement could hopefully come in the next few days.
Regarding Atlético, Danks praised the evolution of Diego Simeone’s side. Although the Spanish team remains known for its physicality, intensity and defensive strength, Danks said it has also become very strong in possession. Kane added that Atlético are a dangerous attacking team.
After two draws, Bayern are looking for a victory that would improve their chances of finishing the league phase among the top eight and avoiding the playoffs. Danks rejected the suggestion that this created excessive pressure, pointing out that Paris Saint-Germain had previously won the Champions League without finishing among the top eight.
Sources: Süddeutsche Zeitung.