Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala sidelined: Thomas Tuchel eyes tactical shifts

The 19-year-old midfielder is set to spend some time on the sidelines after picking up a muscle injury in their hard-fought 2-1 Champions League win against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

In a press conference leading up to the crucial Bundesliga clash, Bayern's head coach, Thomas Tuchel, confirmed that Thomas Muller is the leading contender to fill Musiala's shoes in the attacking midfield position. Tuchel stated, "We have several alternatives, but of course Thomas is the top alternative. We are still leaving the decision open. But of course, the probability is extremely high that Thomas will play."

With Musiala's absence, Tuchel might opt for additional changes in the starting line-up, possibly giving a breather to players who have been heavily involved in recent fixtures. Providing a personnel update, Tuchel noted, "We have to see how Leon Goretzka, Dayot Upamecano, and Raphael Guerreiro are doing. We have some players who have played a lot recently like Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, Minjae Kim. We're consulting with the players on a daily basis. But we won't be able to solve the puzzle until tomorrow (Saturday)."

Among those vying for a spot in the starting eleven is 19-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic, who has caught the eye with his recent performances. Tuchel commented on Pavlovic's readiness, stating, "He is very close to making his first start. Unfortunately and fortunately. Unfortunately, because it shows that we have injury problems and that Joshua Kimmich, an absolute regular, is out. And thankfully, because he's ready. He deserves praise after his good performance in Dortmund. He's ready. He can play from the start or come on. The final decision hasn't been made yet."

As Bayern navigate these challenges, the spotlight is not only on the seasoned stars but also on emerging talents like Pavlovic, who might get an opportunity to shine in the absence of key players. The team face a delicate balance between maintaining performance and managing the fitness of the squad, with Tuchel carefully weighing his options for the upcoming fixture against Heidenheim.

In the absence of Musiala, Bayern's adaptability and the depth of their squad will be put to the test as Tuchel looks to steer his team to victory despite the absence of some key contributors.

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