Ivan Perisic fractures ankle in Bayern Munich training (Update: Perisic out for four weeks)

According to Bild, Bayern Munich have suffered a big injury setback just ahead of the club’s DFB Pokal clash against Hoffenheim. Ivan Perisic, who has been filling in for Kingsley Coman on the left wing these past few months, suffered an ankle injury in training due to a tackle from Real Madrid loanee Alvaro Odriozola. The Croatian left the pitch in a golf cart.

Bitter for Hansi #Flick : @ivanperisic44 just had to stop training! Foul by @alvaroodriozola - #Perisic treated on the right ankle - removal with the golf cart - now examinations.

With both Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry still far from 100%, this might mean that Flick will have to face Hoffenheim with Philippe Coutinho on the left wing. This is far from ideal, given that the Brazilian prefers to play centrally and his lack of defensive work rate will leave Alphonso Davies vulnerable to counterattacks at the back. With Lucas Hernandez still not yet fit, it’s not possible to move Davies up the field either — and even if he were available, it’s not a good idea to change up a winning formula just hours before a knockout game.

Hansi Flick will give a press conference in a few hours, where we should get more info. Stay tuned.

Update

Bad news. According to the coach, Ivan Perisic has an ankle fracture and will be out for four weeks, which means he will miss both the Leipzig and Chelsea games.