Throughout the duration of the season, Bayern Munich has encountered a series of unfortunate setbacks due to injuries. Several pivotal players have been absent during challenging stretches of matches, thereby complicating matters for Thomas Tuchel tactically. Despite his efforts, the injury woes among key personnel have posed significant challenges for the Bayern manager.
Among the indispensable figures for Tuchel this season, Kingsley Coman has notably played a crucial role. The French winger has provided a decisive edge in the attacking third while maintaining defensive solidity on the flank where he operates. However, Coman’s severe knee injury at the end of January markedly disrupted Die Roten’s offensive balance.
Initially anticipated to face a three-month absence, Coman’s recovery progress appears to be ahead of schedule. According to reports from Sky Sports correspondent Kerry Hau, Coman has commenced individual training at Sabner Strasse with the aim of returning to action in March.
Suffering a knee ligament tear during the fixture against Augsburg, Coman was initially projected to resume play in April. Nevertheless, his optimistic rehabilitation trajectory suggests an earlier comeback is plausible. The French forward’s aspiration hinges on Bayern Munich’s involvement in the Bundesliga title contention upon his return.
Moreover, Coman’s expedited recovery from such a significant injury augurs well for his prospects of participation in the 2024 Euros at season’s end. While he will miss the international break in March, a sequence of fixtures in April and May is anticipated to sufficiently prepare the French winger for the European championship.
In parallel, Serge Gnabry nears his return after an absence exceeding two months. Although the German winger will be absent from the squad for Friday’s league encounter against Freiburg, a potential inclusion in next week’s pivotal Champions League fixture against Lazio remains plausible.
However, Sacha Boey and Noussair Mazraoui are unlikely to regain fitness in time for the Champions League fixture. Consequently, Thomas Tuchel is anticipated to persist with Joshua Kimmich in the right-back role, as observed in the recent critical 2-1 victory against RB Leipzig.
Tuchel’s aspirations revolve around the full recovery of all senior players for the concluding phase of the season. Endeavoring to conclude his tenure in Munich with silverware, the German coach faces a challenging Bundesliga title pursuit, given Bayer Leverkusen’s eight-point lead at the summit. Nevertheless, historical Bundesliga precedents suggest potential fluctuations in the title race, and a fully fit squad would undoubtedly enhance Tuchel’s ability to capitalize on any potential slip-ups by Leverkusen.