Gnabry Set for Comeback: Kompany’s Offensive Plans Play Right into His Hands | OneFootball

Serge Gnabry is working hard on his comeback following his muscle injury. For the offensive player, FC Bayern’s new roster structure could even work to his advantage in the upcoming season.

Serge Gnabry had to watch the 2026 World Cup from afar due to injury. A muscle injury he sustained in the final stages of last season dashed all hopes of participating in the tournament.

However, the 31-year-old is now on his way back. At Säbener Straße, Gnabry is working intensively on his return and has recently significantly increased his rehab workload. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to train fully with the team when training resumes on July 20.

Gnabry impressed in the center

Despite his injury, Gnabry can look back on a strong season. Especially during Jamal Musiala’s long absence, he frequently took on the role behind the striker and performed impressively.

With ten goals and eleven assists in just over 2,000 minutes of playing time, the national team player was one of Munich’s most efficient offensive players. His finishing skills and intensity in pressing were particularly evident when playing in the center.

Added to this is his experience and his willingness to take on different roles within the squad—whether as a starter or as a key rotational player.

Greater flexibility opens up new possibilities

The signings of Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown could further work in Gnabry’s favor.

Saibari significantly expands the options in the attacking midfield and can also be deployed flexibly in multiple positions. As a result, Jamal Musiala could move out to the wing more often in the future and cut inside from there.

Brown, too, along with Alphonso Davies, provides more versatility on the left side. Both fullbacks can support the offensive play with their dynamism and give their teammates up front additional freedom.

Carefully managed playing time as an advantage

Photo: IMAGO

For Vincent Kompany, this greater flexibility opens up numerous possibilities for rotation. The workload on key players like Luis Díaz or Michael Olise can be better managed—and Gnabry is likely to benefit from this as well.

The attacking player could be deployed more strategically in the future and focus more on his strongest position in the center, rather than having to regularly shift out to the wing.

With the return of Jamal Musiala, the new signings, and other options like Arijon Ibrahimovic, FC Bayern now has significantly more versatility in its attack. For Gnabry, this development could provide the ideal starting point to once again play a key role in Vincent Kompany’s team following his injury.