Bayern Munich Faces Injury Woes Ahead of Champions League Match

Bayern Munich lost two key players on the same day as the team faced an uncertain schedule for its upcoming European match. The club confirmed on Sunday that midfielder Ismael Saibari had surgery for a torn ligament in his right ankle. The procedure follows a collision with Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel during Saturday’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw.

Forward Serge Gnabry also left the field with a left hamstring injury, according to a brief statement released by the club. Bayern did not provide an estimate for when either player would return to action. The lack of specific timelines adds to the uncertainty surrounding the squad’s depth just before a critical fixture.

Saibari was a standout performer for Morocco at the recent World Cup. He joined Bayern from PSV Eindhoven during that tournament. His availability was a recent addition to the midfield, making his absence a notable adjustment for the coaching staff. The medical team helped him off the field after the collision with Kobel.

The injury list extends beyond these two players. France international Michael Olise also exited the game against Dortmund due to an undisclosed issue. He signaled for a substitution and lay on the ground with his hands covering his face. No immediate update was provided on his condition.

Winger Luis Diaz sat out the match with a thigh issue, while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer missed the game due to a foot problem. These absences compound the roster concerns. Bayern is scheduled to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, a match that will test their ability to cope with multiple missing starters.

The timing of these setbacks places immediate pressure on the squad. The club has not announced further updates on Olise, Diaz, or Neuer. The Tuesday match will serve as the next test for the team’s resilience against a strong European opponent.