Kompany update: Neuer shaky, Gnabry missing – Ito back in the Bayern squad | OneFootball

FC Bayern have mixed feelings ahead of the Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg. After a two-week international break, everyday life in the league is returning – but captain Manuel Neuer, of all people, is a major concern ahead of the clash with the Breisgauers. The 39-year-old missed team training and is in danger of being ruled out for Saturday’s match.

The mood at Säbener Straße was optimistic and the anticipation of the return to normality was high. But now a player who has been deliberately spared in recent weeks has been hit: not international Manuel Neuer.

Neuer out of action for days – Kompany remains cautious

According to media reports, the FCB captain is struggling with a persistent stomach bug. The goalkeeper is said to have not trained regularly all week, which makes it considerably more difficult for him to play against Freiburg.

Head coach Vincent Kompany commented on the situation in detail for the first timeat the matchday press conference: „We’ll have to see about Manuel Neuer, he had a bit of a cold and therefore didn’t train. Hopefully he’ll be fit today,“ explained the Belgian.

Bayern are hoping for a quick comeback, but nobody wants to take any risks. Should Neuer not be fit in time, Jonas Urbig would be available.

Gnabry is definitely out

photo: IMAGO

Alongside Neuer, there is another piece of bad news: Serge Gnabry will definitely be missing against SC Freiburg. The winger had returned from the national team with a muscle complaint. „Serge came back from the national team and still felt something. It probably won’t be enough for Freiburg, we’ll hope for the game after that,“ explained Kompany.

This refers to the Champions League top match against FC Arsenal, which Bayern will play next week. The club is working hard to get Gnabry fit in time.

Kimmich back at 100 percent – Ito celebrates squad comeback

photo: IMAGO

On the other hand, there was good news from Joshua Kimmich. The midfield boss had suffered a capsule injury with the DFB team, but is now fully fit again. Kompany confirmed: „Josh is back to 100 per cent.“

Even more pleasing: Hiroki Ito is back in the squad for the first time after his long injury lay-off. The Japanese centre-back was out for almost eight months. His return opens up new options for Kompany in defence and should make rotation easier in the coming weeks – especially in view of the intense fixture list.