Leroy Sane has been struggling with pain in his pubic bone since Bayern Munich’s thrilling draw with Arsenal on Tuesday. The Bavarians face another injury concern only a few days after confirming that Serge Gnabry will miss the second leg.
Bayern Munich Sweating Over Fitness of Key Winger
A Decisive Display
Sane hasn’t scored a single goal for Bayern since their 8-0 thrashing of Darmstadt in October. The German winger’s struggles have been mostly overlooked due to Harry Kane’s excellent form and his consistent goalscoring output.
The Bavarians needed a reminder of Sane’s incredible quality as a ball-carrying winger, and what better time to be surprised than a Champions League night?
Read More: Bavarian Coaching Carousel: The Five Short-Term Coaches Since 2016
Bayern were under immense pressure after going 1-0 behind against Arsenal on Tuesday. But Sane brought them back into the game by helping them score twice before half-time. First, he initiated a counter-attack that saw Gnabry find the equalizer. Then, his unstoppable solo run forced William Saliba to bring him down inside the box.
The Bundesliga champions are preparing to face the Gunners again next week after leaving Emirates with a 2-2 draw. However, they might be forced to play without one of their best wingers.
Injury Update From Tuchel
Speaking ahead of Bayern Munich’s upcoming Bundesliga game against Koln, Thomas Tuchel said of Sane’s fitness (via iMiaSanMia): “It’s about how much pain he can tolerate. We geared everything towards him being able to play for Arsenal. He was an important factor there and played a great game.”
Read More: Arsenal In ‘Perfect Shape’ To Win Premier League After Fresh Injury Boost
Sane is expected to stay out of action against Koln, but Bayern hope to have him back for the second-leg clash against Arsenal.
Tuchel added: “Since he showed a reaction, we’re focusing on him on Wednesday. The plan is for him to return on Sunday or Monday. But if he plays, he’ll show a reaction in his pubic bone again, which will remain the case for the time being, unfortunately.”
Watch: Who Wins The Premier League?
Bayern Injury List
Manuel Neuer’s return was a major squad boost for the Bavarians against the English opposition. Since then, the veteran goalkeeper has continued his regular training with no issues.
However, Bayern will have to play the second leg without Gnabry, who suffered a hamstring injury at Emirates. According to Bild, he is expected to stay out of action for around three weeks.
Read More: ‘Disappointed’: Real Madrid-Linked Defender Struggling With Poor Form
Their injury list also includes Noussair Mazraoui and Bouna Sarr. The former was included in the matchday squad against Arsenal, and is expected to be given minutes against Koln this weekend. Sarr, however, is still out of team training.
