FC Bayern Munich heads into its DFB-Pokal second-round encounter against Magdeburg dealing with a significant wave of absences and off-field developments. Interim head coach Aaron Danks confirmed the lineup constraints as the German record-holders prepare for Wednesday’s fixture.
The team continues to operate without head coach Vincent Kompany, who remains hospitalized following a medical collapse on Friday. Meanwhile, star striker Harry Kane recently captured the Ballon d’Or, traveling to London just a day before kickoff.
The squad faces confirmed absences for several high-profile players. Midfielder and DFB captain Joshua Kimmich remains on compassionate leave following the sudden death of his father, Berthold, at age 57. Kimmich missed previous fixtures against Arsenal and Freiburg, and while he will sit out the Magdeburg match, Danks expects him to return to training this week with an eye toward Saturday’s Bundesliga showdown against Borussia Dortmund.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also ruled out as he continues to recover from a tendon irritation in his foot. Neuer arrived at Säbener Straße for treatment and indoor training on Tuesday but missed the outdoor session. Jonas Urbig, 23, is set to make his sixth appearance of the season in goal for Bayern.
Additional long-term absentees include Jamal Musiala, who continues rehabilitation following a hamstring tear in his right thigh sustained four and a half weeks ago, and Luis Díaz, who faces roughly another month out with a bundle tear in his left thigh. Midfield talent Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is also unavailable following an appendectomy.
Uncertainty surrounds the availability of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Minjae Kim, both dealing with fitness issues stemming from the Arsenal draw. Pavlovic is managing calf trouble, while Kim is recovering from knee complaints. Danks indicated that medical staff would evaluate their training status, noting that while both players are closer to a return, the club will avoid taking risks ahead of the upcoming clash with Dortmund.
