Bayern Munich visit the Red Bull Arena on Saturday as they face RB Leipzig, with the reigning Bundesliga pacesetters aiming to preserve their unbeaten run in the top flight.
The Bavarian outfit arrive as league leaders, holding an 11-point cushion at the top having dropped points just twice all season, while third-placed Leipzig seek to respond to the bruising 6-0 loss they suffered against the Bavarians back in August.
Bayern Munich team news
Bayern will be without Konrad Laimer for an extended spell. The 28-year-old Austrian tore a muscle fibre in his left calf during the 3-1 win away to 1. FC Köln in midweek, an injury he sustained despite completing the full 90 minutes. Medical assessment in Munich confirmed the extent of the damage, with the club indicating he will be sidelined for several weeks, and reports suggesting a layoff in the region of two to eight weeks depending on how quickly the calf heals. Sky Germany’s Kerry Hau has reported that Bayern expect Laimer to be out for approximately three to four weeks.
In defence, Josip Stanisic continues his recovery after twisting his ankle in Bayern’s emphatic 8-1 victory over Wolfsburg and is not anticipated to feature again this month, with his absence likely to run on for a few more weeks. Sacha Boey is still doubtful due to illness, further limiting options in the full-back positions, while forward Nicolas Jackson is unavailable as he is currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
There is, however, a major boost in attack. Jamal Musiala is set to return after spending around six months out following a serious leg injury sustained during the Club World Cup in July, when he broke his leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The 22-year-old has been back in full training since December, and head coach Vincent Kompany confirmed ahead of the Leipzig trip that Musiala will be involved provided he comes through the final session unscathed, praising him by saying that if everything goes well, “he’ll be there” and noting that the youngster brings a great deal of positive energy back into the squad. Bayern also expect Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies to be in contention again, with Kompany indicating that Kimmich could even be ready to feature as early as this match.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup
Possible Bayern Munich starting XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Ito; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, 17th January.
How to watch RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich?
Supporters in the United Kingdom will be able to follow all the action live on Sky Sports+.
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