Frankfurt Grapples with Injury Woes Ahead of Bayern Showdown
Eintracht Frankfurt faces a significant challenge as they prepare to lock horns with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Sunday without the services of their defensive stalwart, Robin Koch.
The 28-year-old German international has been sidelined since early February due to a shoulder injury and remains unavailable for the crucial match.
"It won’t be enough for Robin," confirmed Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller. "He picked up the knock at the start of the month and missed our last two games against Mönchengladbach and Kiel."
Adding to Frankfurt’s injury woes, their midfield metronome, Mario Götze, is a major doubt for the clash. The 2014 World Cup winner has been battling illness and his availability remains uncertain.
"He was sick yesterday and today and he has to decide tomorrow if he feels up to it," said Toppmöller. "Obviously, it would be a huge blow to our side if he’s unable to play. Mario is in great form and provides us with exceptional stability."
In Koch’s absence, Frankfurt have been forced to reshuffle their defensive line. Evan N’Dicka has filled in admirably at the heart of the defense alongside Hrvoje Smolčić, while Christopher Lenz has slotted in at left-back.
Should Götze also miss the match, it would leave a void in Frankfurt’s midfield. Djibril Sow, Kristijan Jakić, and Daichi Kamada are likely to shoulder the creative burden, with Ansgar Knauff and Jesper Lindström providing support from the wings.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich boasts a clean bill of health heading into the match. Robert Lewandowski, the league’s leading scorer, is in devastating form, having netted 25 goals in 23 appearances this season.
Thomas Müller, Serge Gnabry, and Leroy Sané form a formidable attacking triumvirate behind Lewandowski. Their pace, skill, and movement will pose a major threat to the Frankfurt defense.
In midfield, Bayern are led by the experienced trio of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Marcel Sabitzer. Their ability to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game will be crucial.
The clash between Frankfurt and Bayern promises to be a compelling encounter between two of the Bundesliga’s most in-form sides. Frankfurt will need to produce a heroic performance to overcome the odds and claim a positive result against the league leaders.
Predicted Frankfurt Lineup: Trapp; N’Dicka, Smolčić, Tuta; Lenz, Sow, Jakić, Knauff; Kamada, Lindström; Borré
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup: Neuer; Pavard, Upamecano, Hernández, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka, Sabitzer; Müller, Lewandowski, Gnabry
