MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) – Bayern Munich might be with out key midfielder Joshua Kimmich once they journey to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday whereas fellow midfielder Leon Goretzka is doubtful for the highest of the desk Bundesliga conflict, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann stated on Friday.
Kimmich won’t be able to return earlier than subsequent week as he’s nonetheless in quarantine following a COVID-19 an infection, Nagelsmann stated.
Germany worldwide Goretzka’s participation, much more essential given the absence of Kimmich in midfield, might be determined as late as previous to kickoff in Dortmund.
“Leon Goretzka remains to be doubtful. We will resolve as we speak and even tomorrow. He has accomplished diminished coaching periods and he nonetheless has some points together with his knee. It is a painful concern,” Nagelsmann stated.
“I’ll discuss with him after which we’ll resolve if he can play and if he’s at 100%. We can solely have gamers who’re at 100%.”
The Bavarians are prime of the league with 31 factors, one level forward of Dortmund, and are aiming for a tenth consecutive league crown.
But they’re lacking a number of gamers with Marcel Sabitzer and Josip Stanisic injured whereas ahead Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting remains to be in isolation.
“Everyone is aware of of the significance of this recreation. For the league itself it’s a nice state of affairs with 31 factors and 30 factors. It is the highest recreation and the motivation might be unusually excessive,” Nagelsmann stated.
“I’m not one who will begin crying when gamers are lacking. I’ve to attempt to do the perfect I can with the gamers I’ve. It is like that and you can’t change it.”
Nagelsmann, nonetheless, has the league’s greatest striker, Robert Lewandowski, in nice kind with 14 objectives to this point. Losing out on the world participant of the yr trophy this week could have motivated him additional.
Lewandowski completed second to Argentine Lionel Messi within the vote for the celebrated Ballon d’Or trophy, a end result that stunned many soccer followers.
“Robert doesn’t look pissed off. But it’s regular in case you have this dream of successful the Ballon d’Or at some point. It is much more painful when you find yourself so shut as second,” Nagelsmann stated.
“But he’s an incredible skilled. He is the kind who will draw vitality from this.”
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Rohith Nair)
