Tuchel confirms Kimmich will miss out against Augsburg, Pavlovic set to start

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Aleksandar Pavlovic is set to start against Augsburg on Saturday in place of the injured Joshua Kimmich.

Injuries have been mounting for Bayern Munich ahead of Saturday’s trip to Augsburg.

Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer both picked up muscle injuries in the midweek win over Union Berlin and will be out for a number of weeks.

Joshua Kimmich was also forced off in that game with a shoulder injury and, as confirmed by Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, the Germany international will not be able to play against Augsburg on Saturday either.

“No chance. His shoulder needs to be rested, and then we’ll take things a week at a time. It’s tough to put a timescale on Josh being out,” Tuchel said at a press conference on Friday.

Tuchel also ruled out the possibility of switching his formation to a three-at-the-back system as a result of the injuries, stating that Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier will play together in central defense, while Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic will most likely form a duo in central midfield.

“We’re missing midfielders. Josh won’t play, Konny won’t play. It means we probably can’t drop Leon Goretzka back. In all likelihood it will be Leon and Aleksandar Pavlovic in midfield, with Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier in central defence.”

This means that either Raphael Guerreiro or Alphonso Davies will probably replace Laimer at right-back, with the other playing at left-back.

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