Bayern Munich will take on Chelsea in the first game of the 2025-26 Champions League group phase on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena.
The German giants have made a strong start to their Bundesliga campaign, winning three games in a row and scoring 13 goals.
Harry Kane has emphasised the importance of making a strong start in the new Champions League format, and Bayern will learn from the mistakes they made last season.
Ahead of the match, Bayern have suffered a significant injury blow, but the German giants should be able to cope with his absence.
Bayern Munich suffer Raphael Guerreiro injury blow
Bayern have confirmed on their official website that versatile defender Raphael Guerreiro is set to be on the sidelines with a stomach muscle injury.
The 31-year-old left-back sustained the injury during Bayern’s 5-0 win over Hamburg on Saturday.
The club statement read: “Raphaël Guerreiro suffered a slight injury to his stomach muscles in Bayern’s Bundesliga game against Hamburg, as confirmed by the club’s medical department. As a result, the 31-year-old Portugal international is set for a spell on the sidelines.”
As a result, the Portuguese international will miss Bayern’s Champions League clash with Chelsea on Wednesday. He has made three substitute appearances this season.
More injury problems for Vincent Kompany
Guerreiro came on at half-time against HSV but was forced off later in the second half.
Josip Stanisic is the first-choice left-back for Vincent Kompany, and he is expected to start against the Blues. However, Guerreiro remains a reliable option from the bench, and Bayern will hope that he recovers quickly.
Bayern are also missing their talisman attacker Jamal Musiala, who broke his fibula during the FIFA Club World Cup games against Paris Saint-Germain. Although he is improving, it is unclear when he will be able to return to action.
Alphonso Davies picked up a cruciate ligament tear in March, and he is not expected to return before October.
Hiraki Ito is also a long-term absentee with a metatarsal fracture, and he is most likely to return towards the end of the year.
Follow us on Instagram for more content straight to your mobile phone!
Deeper into FC Bayern → Munich interested in Liverpool target Marc Guehi
