Upamecano still missing – Kompany fears further absences | OneFootball

FC Bayern will host FC Augsburg at home in the Allianz Arena on matchday 19 of the Bundesliga, but after the Champions League win against Saint-Gilloise, the personnel situation at the Munich club remains tense – especially in defence

FC Bayern’s workload continues unabated. Just a few days after their 2-0 Champions League win against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Vincent Kompany’s team already have their next competitive match to play. The Bavarian derby against FC Augsburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday is a must-win game in sporting terms, but another challenge in terms of personnel

The Bayern coach is still particularly concerned about his defence. In addition to the injured players Josip Stanisic and Konrad Laimer, Kompany will also have to do without Dayot Upamecano in the Bundesliga clash against FCA. The French centre-back is still absent due to illness and was already unavailable in the Premier League during the week. Kompany confirmed his absence again at the matchday press conference on Friday: „He’s ill. Unfortunately, he’s out.“

This once again leaves the record champions with only a limited selection in central defense. Against Saint-Gilloise, Minjae Kim and Jonathan Tah formed the center of defense, a constellation that is also very likely against Augsburg. The shortage of personnel makes it clear how fragile the situation in defense currently is – especially in view of the heavy workload in the Bundesliga and Champions League

Kompany warns of further absences

photo: IMAGO

In addition to the already known absentees, Kompany is particularly concerned about a possible domino effect within the squad. The Belgian made it unmistakably clear that the current situation could tip over at any time. „Let’s see who else will be missing. Nobody else for physical reasons. But if a virus comes into the dressing room, I’m scared,“ the 39-year-old explained openly

Particularly explosive: several Bayern professionals have been struggling with illness in recent weeks. Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry are now fit again, but the renewed absence of Upamecano shows how quickly the situation can change. Kompany hopes it stays that way: „I hope nobody will be out. But Upa will be in bed for a few more days – and hopefully nobody else.“

The coach’s statements underline the fact that the focus is currently less on tactical fine-tuning and more on simply keeping the squad together. Additional absentees could weigh heavily, especially in the intensive phase of the season – also with a view to the coming weeks, in which Bayern will be challenged both nationally and internationally

Despite the personnel restrictions, Munich go into the derby against FC Augsburg as clear favourites. The form curve speaks in favour of the league leaders, who have recently shown stable performances in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. In addition, the Allianz Arena remains a fortress in which Bayern have hardly shown any weaknesses this season.