Bayern Munich host long-time foes Borussia Dortmund on Saturday after a rollercoaster week punctuated by coach Vincent Kompany’s hospitalisation and Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph. Luis Diaz, Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala and Aleksander Pavlovic have all battled injury for the defending champions. Bayern’s issues have pushed what is usually the biggest match of the Bundesliga season into the background.
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, a mainstay in Bayern’s midfield, has missed three games on compassionate leave due to the sudden death of his father.
Bayern Munich host long-time foes Borussia Dortmund on Saturday after a rollercoaster week punctuated by coach Vincent Kompany’s hospitalisation and Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph.
The only unbeaten teams after seven matchdays, Bayern and Dortmund sit level on points, with Saturday’s hosts ahead on goal difference. But Bayern’s main task will be to shut out the noise and focus on the game. After showing signs of illness in Bayern’s 6-1 thumping of RB Leipzig, Kompany returned to the dugout for last week’s 2-2 home draw with Arsenal, but collapsed on the training pitch two days later. World Cup winner Lothar Matthaeus, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1990 with Inter Milan, said Kane would respond well to the recognition.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said Thursday his side, who have also battled injury issues this season, were “getting closer” to Bayern. Later diagnosed with meningeal irritation, the Belgian was released after five days in hospital on Wednesday, but Bayern said it will likely be “weeks, not days” until he returns to work. Kane said Wednesday it had been a “crazy week” for himself and the club, adding: “I get quite embarrassed by it, but I know it’s a big deal.
