Barcelona vs Bayern Munich lineups: Confirmed team news, predicted XIs and injury latest for Champions League | OneFootball

Both sides hoping to be strengthened in midfield for huge European showdown

Bayern Munich could be boosted by the return of Jamal Musiala for their heavyweight Champions League trip to Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The midfielder has been out with a hip injury since the defeat to Aston Villa at the start of the month, but Musiala made his return to full training on Monday and Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed he had travelled with the squad to Spain.

Freund said: “He is with us and will be flying with the team. That is already very, very important. We’ll see how long he will stay on the pitch.”

Harry Kane will lead the line for Bayern, having scored a hat-trick against Stuttgart on Saturday, but the likes of Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka could all have to settle for places on the bench.

Aleksandar Pavlovic will not be involved after breaking his collarbone over the weekend and undergoing surgery, with Joao Palhinha the most likely candidate to replace him.

Harry Kane has once again been in sensational form for Bayern

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Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to be without a number of long-term absentees, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo.

However, Gavi is available again for Barcelona, with the midfielder making his return to action on Sunday against Sevilla after a year out with an ACL injury.

It is expected to be too soon for him to start, though, but Fermin Lopez could come into the side, having featured for half an hour off the bench last time out. Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong are also options in midfield.

That would likely see Raphinha move back into a wider position with Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank, and Robert Lewandowski through the middle against his former club.

Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Doubts: Garcia

Injured: Christensen, Bernal, Araujo, Ter Stegen, Torres

Predicted Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Min-jae, Davies; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane

Doubts: Musiala

Injured: Stanisic, Ito, Boey, Pavlovic

Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports