dpa
Munich
Bayern Munich key player Jamal Musiala appears set to miss their first match of the year at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday due to illness, and the Bundesliga leaders could also have a goalkeeper problem there.
"Jamal Musiala is out of action for now because of a cold and must therefore sit out FC Bayern training ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga match at Borussia Mönchengladbach,” Bayern said on Thursday.
Musiala did also not feature in a mid-week tune-up game at Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg which Bayern won 6-0. The 21-year-old has been a standout player with 14 goals and six assists across all competitions in the season.
Veteran Thomas Müller is a candidate to take Musiala’s place while Bayern face a bigger headache in goal.
Manuel Neuer did also not play in Salzburg and it is not clear whether he can return from a rib fracture against Gladbach, even though board member for sport Max Eberl has said that his healing process is going "extremely well.” Back-up Daniel Peretz, who deputized well in three December matches, is sidelined with a lung contusion.
Sven Ulreich was absent from previous matches for personal reasons, and Bayern then only have teenagers Max Schmitt and Leon Klanac available.
Sacha Boey, João Palhinha and Hiroki Ito meanwhile remain injured, and centre back Dayot Upamecano is suspended. Eric Dier is likely to take his place, having played, and scored, in Salzburg.
Bayern top the table four points ahead of title holders Bayer Leverkusen, who restart on Friday night at Borussia Dortmund.