FC Bayern is experiencing a strong start to teh second half of the season on the pitch, but remains short-handed.The right-back position is notably problematic. In the 5-1 win against RB Leipzig, Tom Bischof had to fill in at an unfamiliar position – a clear indication of the current lack of defensive depth. With the upcoming Champions League match against union Saint-Gilloise, coach Vincent Kompany has limited options.
On Monday morning, Konrad Laimer and Josip stanisic worked separately from the team on their comebacks. Both defenders completed individual sessions on the bike and treadmill to gradually return from their injuries. According to Sky, both have made “first small steps in rehab.”
laimer is recovering from a muscle fiber tear, while Stanisic is working his way back from an ankle injury. Sacha Boey is also continuing his recovery from a persistent stomach illness and remains unavailable.
As reported by tz, Laimer and Stanisic where visited by head coach Vincent Kompany during their session. The Belgian spent around ten minutes with his injured players – a sign of appreciation, but also of the current urgency. both are expected to be options again in February.
Right-back Remains a Problem Area
Consequently, Kompany must continue to improvise. Against Leipzig, the choice fell on Tom Bischof, who has primarily shown his strengths in central midfield.However, the youngster struggled on the right side of the defense, which did little to ease the already tense situation. For the match against Saint-Gilloise,it is indeed likely that Joshua Kimmich will have to fill in on the right again – a role he is familiar with from both FC Bayern and the national team.
Kompany had already hinted at this flexibility. “Everything is an option. everyone can be asked to play in a different position,” explained the Bayern coach. This statement reflects the current situation, where functioning solutions are more important than ideal line-ups. Bischof’s performance in Leipzig likely influenced Kompany’s considerations.
Relaxation on the left
While concerns are mounting on the right, the situation on the left side of the defense is gradually easing. Hiroki Ito has recently performed stably and is considered the first choice for the starting eleven in the Champions League match. Alphonso Davies is also available again. The Canadian, who had to pause due to a cold after recovering from a torn cruciate ligament, made his comeback in Leipzig and gives Kompany additional options.
This advancement comes at an important time. A win in the final group stage match at home against Union Saint-Gilloise could secure Bayern’s spot in the round of 16 and avoid the energy-sapping playoffs. The focus is thus on compensating for the personnel shortages as much as possible.
FC Bayern is thus facing a familiar but delicate task: maximum performance despite limited options. The fact that Kompany personally accompanies injured players during the rehab process underscores the cohesion within the team. In the short term, however, it is clear: improvisation will continue on the right side of the defense – in the hope that Laimer, stanisic and Boey will soon be able to fully attack again.
