Bayern Munich have been handed a huge injury setback ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The club announced that left-back Raphael Guerreiro has been ruled out of the Champions League semifinal due to an ankle injury he sustained on Saturday, May 4.
The 30-year-old Portugal International was substituted in the 17th minute of Bayern’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of VfB Stuttgart on Saturday after hurting his ankle in an attempt to block a shot.
According to a statement released by the German powerhouse on Sunday, May 5, they said; “Bayern will be without Raphael Guerreiro for the next few games.”
Speaking on Raphael Guerreiro’s injury, Tuchel said; “Rapha’s not doing well at all. He’s going around on crutches.”
He added; “He’s cursed. He’s probably out of the return match for us – bitter, bitter, bitter for us.”
Guerreiro has been on and off of the Bavaria lineup in his first season in Bayern, having arrived on a free transfer from domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund.
The Portuguese international had been asserting himself with strong performances in both midfield and even at left wing in the second half of the season.
The potential absence of the versatile 30-year-old would limit coach Thomas Tuchel’s options against Madrid.
Bayern Munich also had Eric Dier subbed off at halftime against Stuttgart with a head injury, they have been handed several injury concerns with center-back Matthijs De Ligt and Dayot Upamecano still working on their fitness.
Recall that the Bundesliga outfit secured a 2-2 draw in their home match against La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid on Tuesday, April 30.
Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel made six changes from their semi-final first leg against Real Madrid with Guerreiro among those starting XI. Noussair Mazraoui, Konrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala were all rested.
Alphonso Davies, Aleksander Pavlovic, Serge Gnabry, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and Mathys Tel are also said to be in doubt for the Champions League clash.
What’s next for Bayern Munich?
The German powerhouse will be seen next in action in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday, May 8, and the winner will battle the winner between Paris Saint Germain and Borussia Dortmund in the final in June 1.
