:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63069212/GettyImages-1058902080.0.0.jpg)
In an unexpected turn of events, Bayern Munich center back Jerome Boateng has not traveled with the team to Liverpool ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Anfield. The German is suffering from a stomach flu and has had to remain back in Munich.
Here’s the official report from Bayern Munich’s twitter account:
A little update from #Kovac: "@JB17Official misses out with stomach flu, but @FranckRibery will travel later today after becoming a father late last night."#LFCFCB pic.twitter.com/ROh3M1m65Z
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 18, 2019
Also, as you can see above, Franck Ribery has also not traveled with the team as he became a father yet again late last night. The Frenchman is expected to join the team later in the day, once he has checked up on his newborn child.
Boateng’s absence will be a blow to Niko Kovac, who now only has Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels as options for tomorrow’s game. If either of them get injured, then Javi Martinez may have to fill in at center back, which is a chilling thought considering Liverpool’s attacking prowess.
Franck Ribery, meanwhile, may be needed to stand in for an injured Kingsley Coman. At the airport, Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic said that things were looking better for Coman, but still could not confirm the winger’s availability for the first leg. In case he can’t make it, having Ribery as a stand-in will be crucial for the Bavarians in the tie.