Bayern Munich vs Arminia Bielefeld: Lineups, team news, injuries, opportunities for Musiala, and more! (Updated)

Bayern Munich are back in Germany, and things are looking tougher than ever. While our injury crisis isn’t Liverpool level, Hansi Flick still has a TON of absentees to deal with, and he has the Champions League waiting over the horizon. For Arminia Bielefeld, a team hovering around the relegation zone, it might be prudent to have a bit more rotation than usual. But how much can you get away with?

Team news

There’s bad news and very bad news. The bad news is that Tanguy Nianzou, Alex Nubel, and Javi Martinez are all yet to return to training. The very bad news is that Leon Goretzka has a calf problem and will sit this one out, Serge Gnabry tore a hamstring and is out indefinitely, while Thomas Muller remains in quarantine due to the coronavirus. Jerome Boateng, meanwhile, will sit this game out due to his own personal issues.

So where does that leave the lineup? Robert Lewandowski didn’t play the full 90 against Tigres, so Flick was presumable saving him for this one. With Muller and Gnabs both out of the game, the coach can’t risk going into the thick of things without Lewy’s firepower. Joining him up top will likely be Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala. Musiala might get a chance to shine in Muller’s spot, hopefully showing us glimpses of the talent he clearly possesses.

In midfield, things are difficult but could be worse. Without Goretzka, Marc Roca has another chance to start a game after missing the XI for the CWC final. He will probably pair up with Joshua Kimmich, who is arguably the most important piece of the lineup with so many players absent. Roca’s presence might allow Kimmich move upfield and help out the attack, which might allow Flick to press an advantage early.

In defense, David Alaba may FINALLY get some rest, with Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule pairing up at center-back. Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard should start at left-back and right-back respectively, rounding out a relatively stable lineup. Expect a few of these guys to get subbed early if Bayern are leading by the 60th minute.

So, without further ado, here’s how Bayern might line up tomorrow:

Other options:

• Douglas Costa in for either of the wingers.
• Corentin Tolisso in at either AM (for Musiala) or CM (for Roca).
• David Alaba in for either Davies (Lucas moves to LB) or Lucas at CB.

Update

Predicted lineups from kicker. They seem to think Sarr will start: