BERLIN, Aug 12 — Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard will miss this weekend’s opening game of the Bundesliga season at Borussia Moenchengladbach with an injury, head coach Julian Nagelsmann said today.
The France left-back has suffered an ankle issue and is expected to miss the next few weeks, including Tuesday’s German Super Cup at Borussia Dortmund.
“It’s very, very annoying. He made a good impression in training and was firmly part of our plans,” Nagelsmann said.
“He will be out for a few weeks, but we have many other players who can replace him.”
In his absence, Canada’s Alphonso Davies could play at left-back tomorrow after recovering from an ankle problem.
Bayern will field a new back four at Borussia-Park with centre-back Dayot Upamecano, signed from RB Leipzig this summer, set to play his first competitive game for the Bavarians.
Nagelsmann, 34, quit last season’s runners-up Leipzig to take charge of Bayern after his predecessor Hansi Flick left to coach Germany.
The pressure is on Nagelsmann to deliver a tenth straight Bundesliga title for Bayern in his first season to complete their decade of dominance in the German league.
However, he is still waiting for a first win at the helm after three defeats and a draw in pre-season friendlies.
Bayern suffered a shock 3-2 defeat under Flick in their last away game at Borussia Park in January.
“Gladbach have a very, very good and ambitious team. They are not yet at 100 per cent because of the injuries, but they are a demanding opponent,” added Nagelsmann.
“Every team is even more motivated against Bayern — everyone wants to see that we don’t win a tenth (consecutive) title.” — AFP
