Speaking ahead of Bayern Munich’s game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that the Bundesliga leaders will be without Leon Goretzka.
“Leon Goretzka will miss tomorrow’s game,” said Nagelsmann. “He has thigh problems, I won’t take any risks. He will probably be back on Wednesday. Otherwise, all the players who were there against Köln are available.”
Goretzka missed the opening four Bundesliga games of the season but has been ever present since, however he’s only completed 90 minutes in the league on three occasions this season.
Nagelsmann added: “He needs to be at 100%. Unfortunately, Leon keeps having physical problems. He invests a lot. I support him and we talk frequently. I’m trying to take the pressure off him.”
Goretzka’s absence gives Nagelsmann a selection headache in midfield. Previously, Marcel Sabitzer stepped in to replace Goretzka earlier in the season, but Ryan Gravenberch remains an option. The Dutchman was brought on ahead of Sabitzer in their 1-1 draw with FC Köln during the week.
Heading into the weekend, Bayern Munich remain just three points clear of Union Berlin and with RB Leipzig playing on Friday night, the gap may be down to just one point before tomorrow’s fixtures kick-off should Marco Rose’s Leipzig beat Stuttgart tonight.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
