Bayern Munich battle injury crisis ahead of Inter clash

The Bundesliga giants have been hit hard by injuries, with key players Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, and now Jamal Musiala ruled out for the crunch encounter.

Musiala, a dynamic force in Bayern's attack, suffered a muscle tear during their 3-1 victory over Augsburg last week, adding to an already lengthy absentee list.

Despite the setbacks, head coach Vincent Kompany has refused to let the mounting injuries derail their ambitions.

"We're looking ahead and trusting the lads who step up tomorrow to deliver the goods," Kompany said at his pre-match press conference.

"This group have been part of our journey to this point. I'm not here to complain or lower our targets because of injuries. My focus is on what we can achieve when we're at our best."

When pressed on how Bayern plan to cope without Musiala's flair, Kompany kept his cards close to his chest but hinted at a team effort to fill the void. "We've had to play without Jamal before, and we've got solutions, creative ones too," he said.

"You can't replace his talent one-for-one, so it's about the collective stepping up."

On the recovery front, Neuer and Kingsley Coman appear closest to making a comeback, though Kompany remained cautious about their availability for the second leg in Milan next week.

"They're making progress every day, and I'd love to have them back, but there's no certainty yet," he added. "We won't rush them."

Recent updates from Bayern's official X account confirmed Musiala's injury blow, with the club posting: "Jamal Musiala will miss the upcoming matches due to a muscle tear. Get well soon, Jamal!"

Meanwhile, Kompany's comments on X echoed his press conference resolve: "Injuries test us, but we adapt and fight on."

Bayern fans will be hoping their depleted squad can rise to the occasion against an Inter side brimming with confidence, as the Bavarians aim to take a vital lead into the return leg.

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