Bayern Munich vs Schalke: Lineups, team news, the mystery of Joshua Kimmich, injuries, and more!

It’s been less than a week since Bayern Munich last had a game, but it feels like a lifetime. Since vanquishing Hertha Berlin, Hansi Flick has his sights set on a high-flying Schalke. While David Wagner has molded the German Everton into a competent team, even Niko Kovac was able to beat them in the Hinrunde. Injuries or no, Bayern will be expected to take all three points, especially with the Bundesliga title race being so close.

Team news

Niklas Süle is out for the season, so don’t expect him to make a miraculous recovery and make it onto the pitch tomorrow. Lucas Hernandez is participating in team training, but Hansi Flick refused to confirm his participation against Schalke — so he’s probably out. Kingsley Coman’s return is still a few weeks away. However, Serge Gnabry is back from injury while Joshua Kimmich has finished serving his suspension.

With that in mind, Flick’s choice of lineup becomes complicated. Robert Lewandowski is almost certain to start up top, but the trio behind him could look very different depending on whether Gnabry is fit enough to play. Assuming Gnabry does indeed play, he will most likely man the right flank, with either Ivan Perisic or Philippe Coutinho on the left. Perisic is the likelier candidate given his strong showing against Hertha, but the Brazilian may get the nod due to his superior passing ability. Thomas Müller will, in all likelihood, return to his usual place behind the striker.

In midfield, we have a conundrum. Hansi Flick confirmed that Kimmich would play tomorrow, but refused to say at which position. Given how the season has gone so far, it’s entirely possible that he will take Thiago Alcantara’s place next to Leon Goretzka in midfield. While the Spaniard had an incredible game against the Berliners, a midfield trio or Kimmich, Goretzka, and Müller has been Hansi’s go-to setup in every big game this season, and that’s not likely to change just yet.

Finally, in defense, Real Madrid loanee Alvaro Odriozola has his first chance to make an appearance for his new club. However, according to Bild he is unlikely to start, with the coach likely to stick with the tried-and-tested Benjamin Pavard for now. Alphonso Davies will likely be at left back, supported by David Alaba at center back. Jerome Boateng, fresh off the back of a good performance against Hertha, will most likely get the nod for the final central defensive position — Flick will be counting on his long balls to unlock the Schalke defense.

Other possibilities:

• Kimmich at right back, Pavard to center back, Thiago-Goretzka pivot.
• Odriozola at right back, Pavard to center back, Boateng on the bench.
• Perisic on the wing, Coutinho on the bench.
• Gnabry on the bench, Muller on the wing, Coutinho at attacking midfield.
• Tolisso instead of Goretzka in midfield.