dpa
Barcelona
Influential Jamal Musiala will return from a hip injury in Bayern Munich’s big Champions League match at Barcelona on Wednesday but coach Vincent Kompany did not reveal whether as a starter or a substitute.
Musiala had been out of action for three weeks, missing three Bayern games and two Germany matches in the Nations League.
He is now back and can play, but Kompany said they will be cautious with their young star.
“Everyone knows how important Jamal is for us. But it’s not just about one game against Barcelona but about the next 30-40 games,” Kompany said after Bayern’s arrival in Spain on Tuesday.
“We need to find a balance in workload. Whether he just comes on as a sub or plays for longer - I don’t want to say anything about that.” Joao Palhinha is to take the place of Aleksandar Pavlovic who has broken his collarbone when Bayern face their former coach Hansi Flick and former striker Robert Lewandowski.
Flick led Bayern to six titles in 2020, with the run to Champions League glory including an 8-2 quarter-final triumph over Barca.
“It’s always special to play against Barca. The background is obviously very interesting, also to face Hansi Flick. We’re looking forward to it,” Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich said.
Kompany said: “Hansi wasn’t just a coach at Bayern. He was incredibly successful and represented Bayern in a special way. It will mean a lot to him to now play against this club. His style of play is clear, but mine as well. Let’s see who wins.
“I don’t make any differences between games and opponents. It’s now an important game for me. We want to test ourselves against the top clubs in Europe. It’ll be exciting.” Both teams have three points and are coming off emphatic weekend league wins: Bayern 4-0 against Stuttgart and Barca 5-1 over Sevilla.
“We had three games before the international break where we didn’t win, but the way we’re playing makes us confident,” Kimmich said.
“Wins are the foundation for titles, and a good togetherness with good football are also the foundations for wins. We’re on track there. We as the players see the path and believe in the way we’re playing.”
