Bayern Munich youngsters promoted for Eintracht Frankfurt; Robben, Martinez, and Alaba are out

Bayern Munich’s injury situation has hit a peak and for the squad to properly prepare, rest, and heal, Jupp Heynckes has called three reserve players up for the game day roster. Lukas Mai, Meritan Shabani, and Niklas Dorsch could all see playing time on Saturday against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Mai, who made an impressive debut last weekend against Hannover 96, will likely see major time once again with Jerome Boateng out for the rest of the season. In addition, Mats Hummels is in need of a respite prior to Bayern’s Champions League tilt against Real Madrid on Tuesday and Niklas Süle will now be thrust into the role of Champions League starter. How much playing time that Hummels and Süle actually get Saturday is likely to be limited given the quick turnaround for the return leg against Los Blancos.

Dorsch, a defensive midfielder, and Shabani, an attacking midfielder, could both also see field time in some capacity; likely in the central midfield. Given the shallow pool of wingers available, Heynckes could get creative with players like Juan Bernat, Sebastian Rudy, Corentin Tolisso, and Rafinha; lining them up in some unfamiliar spots or in varying formations.

David Alaba is, again, not expected to play because of his back/thigh/sciatic ailment. Meanwhile, Javi Martinez (head injury) is likely out, and Arjen Robben is also likely out given the lack of news after his MRI yesterday. The roster is thin and the longer-term injuries to Boateng, Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, and Arturo Vidal are not helping solve the short-term depth conundrum for Heynckes.

The game against the Eagles is meaningless given that Bayern has already clinched the Bundesliga, so if there was ever a game where Heynckes was going to put on his lab coat and become a mad scientist with his lineup; it is likely this one.

UPDATE [8:40AM EST]: Via Heynckes’ press conference both Robben and Martinez are officially out against Eintracht Frankfurt. Also, Alaba is back training and healthy, but will be held out on Saturday in hopes of being fully ready for Real Madrid.