With the Bundesliga race officially done and dusted, Bayern Munich switch focus to their one and only remaining pathway to silverware: the UEFA Champions League. However, the struggling German giants host Arsenal this Wednesday in a difficult hurdle standing between them and a semifinal berth.
And to make things worse, Thomas Tuchel revealed a worrying update regarding the fitness of one key player. That man is Leroy Sane, who has been one of the club's most influential attackers this season behind top scorer Harry Kane.
The 28-year-old featured in the first leg and was influential despite not getting on the scoresheet. However, the German ace was subbed off in the second half and missed the weekend victory over Koln, with Tuchel casting doubt over his availability for the second leg.
Fast forward to Tuchel's pre-match press conference and while he stated that Leroy is likely to feature against Arsenal, the Bayern boss confessed that this is out of necessity, not choice. With Serge Gnaby and Kingsley Coman both injured, Tuchel has no other senior winger to turn to and will have to play Sane despite the former Man City starlet lacking fitness.
"Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sané can play tomorrow," the departing manager said.
Tuchel confirms: "Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sané can play tomorrow".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2024
"Due to the situation with Gnabry and King Coman out, Leroy will probably have to grit his teeth for as long as possible". pic.twitter.com/pEA9ZoMCaQ
"Due to the situation with Gnabry and King Coman out, Leroy will probably have to grit his teeth for as long as possible".
This is not an ideal situation for the hosts as they look to get past the Premier League giants this Wednesday. The first leg at the Emirates Stadium ended in a controversial 2-2 draw, with Gnabry and Kane getting on the scoresheet, meaning everything will be decided at the Allianz Arena.
While the Bavarians boast the home advantage, Tuchel does not have a fully fit squad at his disposal — unlike his rival Mikel Arteta. Additionally, with Bayer Leverkusen officially lifting the Bundesliga title on Sunday, the pressure is mounting on Tuchel to guide the club to the UEFA Champions League semifinals at the very least.
A win is thus needed from the six-time European champions. Arsenal recently lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League, which was a huge blow to their title race, meaning the visitors will be aiming to bounce back at Bayern Munich's iconic stadium.
