As they effort to turn around an aggregate deficit, Bayern Munich will be without one of their top playmaking stars when they visit Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup.
The German giants lost Jamal Musiala for the season to a hamstring injury just days before the first leg, and it seemingly cost them as they were stifled for large stretches of the match by the sensational Inter organisation.
Even as Bayern racked up a prolific 2.30 expected goals across the 90 minutes, it felt as if they were unable to create truly quality opportunities outside of Thomas Muller’s late goal. Of their six other shots on target, only Harry Kane’s 14th-minute header truly troubled Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Now, the Bavarians must make up for the early defeat by winning amidst a hostile San Siro environment, and they’ll have to do so without Musiala’s generational talents.
Inter, meanwhile, will look to protect their lead with a fully fit squad, as Simone Inzaghi must work around the absence of only a few individuals.
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Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Compared to their injury-stricken opponents, Inter have enjoyed strong squad fitness for much of the season.
The only regular starter to prove unavailable is Denzel Dumfries, with Matteo Darmian stepping in admirably for the first leg and likely to be called upon again.
Marcus Thuram was rested for the weekend win over Cagliari, coming off the bench for the final 23 minutes to spell star striker Lautaro Martinez who had netted already in the game.
Inter Milan predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, Camavinga — Valverde, Tchouameni — Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. — Mbappe.
Injured: Dumfries (muscle), Zielinski (shin), Carboni (ACL).
Suspended: None.
MORE: Latest Champions League top goal scorer list
The loss of Jamal Musiala to a serious hamstring injury was noticeable in the first leg, and they’ll have to do without him again as the 22-year-old has been ruled out for the season.
He’s joined by fellow Bayern Munich starters Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies on the sidelines, while Dayot Upamecano is also not available due to a lingering knee issue that could keep him out for weeks.
It means 21-year-old Jonas Urbig will continue in goal, while Eric Dier remains at the back alongside Min-Jae Kim.
Inter Milan predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Injured: Musiala (hamstring), Neuer (calf), Upamecano (knee), Davies (ACL), Buchmann (shoulder).
Suspended: None.
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
