Bayern Munich confirm major injury blow ahead of Der Klassiker

The Bavarians will have to play without one of their key defenders.

Bayern Munich has been hit with a significant setback as defender Matthijs de Ligt has been ruled out for an unspecified period with a knee ligament injury.

The Dutch international had to be substituted in the 24th minute of the match, and the club has since confirmed the extent of his injury as a partial tear of the ligament in his right knee joint.

This injury to De Ligt adds to Bayern’s ongoing defensive woes, with coach Thomas Tuchel expressing concerns over the recurrence of a knee problem previously suffered by the player in September. The absence of De Ligt presents a challenge for Tuchel as they prepare for the upcoming Der Klassiker clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Joshua Kimmich, who deputized in defense when De Ligt was forced off, will also be unavailable for the crucial fixture due to a suspension resulting from a red card received in the previous week. Additionally, another key defender, Dayot Upamecano, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for a month.

Bayern Munich currently occupies the second spot on the Bundesliga table, trailing leaders Bayer Leverkusen by just two points. The absence of De Ligt will test their defensive depth as they aim to secure a positive result in the upcoming high-stakes encounter.