Bayern Munich are facing an unusually demanding period in autumn 2026, balancing a major individual honour with a growing list of setbacks. Harry Kane has become the first Bayern player since 1981 to win the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best footballer, but the club’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund came at a significant cost.
Ismael Saibari tore his syndesmosis ligament and is expected to be out for an extended period. Serge Gnabry also suffered a muscle injury, adding to Bayern’s concerns in attack. Head coach Vincent Kompany has been discharged from hospital, but continues to recover from meningeal irritation.
The German champions now travel to face Atlético Madrid in one of Europe’s most difficult away fixtures. The Champions League match is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. The situation raises questions about how Bayern can respond to these contrasting developments, which attacking players remain available and how important the match in Madrid could be.
These issues are discussed by Martin Schneider and Philipp Schneider in the latest episode of the Süddeutsche Zeitung sports podcast “Und nun zum Sport”.
Sources: Süddeutsche Zeitung.