In Berlin, Bayern Munich’s winger Leroy Sane is uncertain for their upcoming Bundesliga match against Freiburg due to a lingering knee issue, coach Thomas Tuchel revealed on Thursday.
The team is already dealing with injuries and suspensions, with players such as Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Matthijs de Ligt unavailable.
“Leroy has not joined team training. He will undergo an individual assessment later today to determine if he can participate in the team session later today, which is a prerequisite for inclusion in the squad,” Tuchel stated during a press conference.
“We will have to wait and see. Hopefully, he will be fit for the squad and can contribute by coming off the bench.”
As reigning champions, Bayern Munich are facing a significant challenge, trailing league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by eight points with 11 games remaining in the season.
In addition to their domestic struggles, Bayern also have a crucial Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Lazio in Munich after suffering a 1-0 defeat in Italy.
Last week, Bayern Munich announced that they will be parting ways with Tuchel at the conclusion of the season, with the coach having assumed the role in March 2023.
“We are aware of our position in the league and in the Champions League. Speculating about the future months ahead serves no purpose,” Tuchel remarked.
“Our focus is on the present, on winning the next game, closing the gap with Leverkusen. That is within our control and where our attention lies.”
However, Tuchel expressed discontent over the timing of Bayern’s recent announcement that Max Eberl will take over as head of sport, noting it as the third structural change within the club in the past 10 months prior to a league game.
“Despite this distraction, we will strive to maintain focus on the upcoming match. Tomorrow, our sole objective is to secure a victory in Freiburg,” Tuchel emphasized.
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Toby Davis)
