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Bayern Munich’s bid to secure the Bundesliga title is being severely tested by an injury crisis as they prepare for a crucial clash against in-form Augsburg on Friday. Despite being six points ahead of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen with just seven games to go, Bayern’s injury troubles—especially in defence—could undermine their push for the title.
The club has been hit hard with key players sidelined, including defender Hiroki Ito, who broke his foot for a second time this season. He joins a lengthy injury list featuring left-back Alphonso Davies, centre-back Dayot Upamecano, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, and forward Kingsley Coman. With Ito, Davies, and Upamecano expected to miss the remainder of the season, Bayern’s defensive options are limited to Kim Min-jae, who is dealing with an Achilles strain, and veteran Eric Dier.
Raphael Guerreiro, a midfielder who is frequently deployed as a left-back, also missed training and is a doubt for the match. Despite the challenges, Bayern striker Harry Kane expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, stressing that the team has dealt with injuries well throughout the season. “It’s a brutal one to take,” Kane said, referring to the recent defensive setbacks, “but that’s when you lean on the team.”
Bayern’s task will not be easy, as Augsburg are in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in the league since mid-January, with just four goals conceded in 12 games this year. The Bavarian side is currently just three points shy of a historic second European qualification.
Meanwhile, Bayern’s title rivals, Bayer Leverkusen, also experienced a setback midweek, being eliminated from the German Cup by third-division Arminia Bielefeld. Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso emphasised the importance of staying focused on the Bundesliga. “We have to give everything in the Bundesliga. That’s our competition now and our goal,” Alonso said after the defeat.
Leverkusen will face Heidenheim the day after Bayern’s trip to Augsburg. In other Bundesliga action, Borussia Dortmund’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot will be tested at Freiburg.
