Bayern Munich: 9 players out with COVID-19 ahead of Gladbach game

Bayern Munich has suffered a Covid outbreak as they prepare for their first game of the new year.

Alphonso Davies is the latest Bayern Munich player who has tested positive for COVID-19. The Canadian star, however, is only one of eight Bayern players who have started their self-isolation.

Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Omar Richards, Lucas Hernandez, Tanguy Nianzou, Leroy Sane and Dayot Upamecano have also returned positive tests. Bayern’s assistant coach Dino Toppmoller will also miss the game due to the coronavirus.

In addition to their Covid cases, Bayern will not have Bouna Sarr and Erik Maxim Choupo-Moting at their disposal. The pair have travelled to Cameroon to represent their nations in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Leon Goretzka, who suffered an injury just before the winter break, is doubtful for the game. Niklas Sule, who has just re-started training, might also miss the upcoming game against Gladbach.

The severe personnel problem at the Allianz Arena has left Julian Nagelsmann with limited choices for his lineup. The only piece of good news for Bayern fans is the return of Joshua Kimmich, who has been out for more than a month.

Bayern are leading the Bundesliga table with 43 points from their 17 games. They have a nine-point clearance over Borussia Dortmund, but their Covid outbreak might revive their rivals’ hopes for leapfrogging them. It remains to be seen whether Gladbach can end the Bavarians’ seven-game winning streak.

Salihamidžić said (before the Davies test was confirmed positive): "It looks like we're going to play (on Friday) and therefore we're going to go into the game to win it"

It remains to be seen whether things will change now [@dpa]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) January 5, 2022