Bayern Crisis Players Defend Ahead Of Salzburg

JAKARTA - Bayern Munich is experiencing a defensive crisis ahead of the Champions League Group A fourth round match to host RB Salzburg which will be played on Thursday morning tomorrow.

The Bavarian side have won all three of their matches in the group stage and will qualify for the last 16 if the reigning champions beat Salzburg, who they beat 6-2 in the first meeting in early November.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick said center-back Niklas Suele still had to improve his fitness, while Lucas Hernandez could play as a substitute.

Suele had to be replaced at halftime when the German national team lost 0-6 to Spain on Tuesday. It was Suele's first appearance since testing positive for COVID-19.

"He (Suele) fell behind during training, so we have to fix it," said Flick as quoted by Antara from AFP on Wednesday.

"Now we will hope he can play Saturday," added Flick, referring to the match against VfB Stuttgart in the German League this weekend.

Jerome Boateng is expected to partner David Alaba at the heart of the defense, but Bayern have few options on either side of their defense.

Midfielder Corentin Tolisso and right-back Bouna Sarr are still out with injuries.

Flick also revealed left-back Alphonso Davies was back in training, a month after suffering a ligament injury to his ankle.

Davies and Joshua Kimmich, who previously underwent knee surgery, are expected to return to play in January.