Liverpool play Bayern Munich on Tuesday night at Anfield in the Champions League last-16. The Reds will be without centre-back Virgil van Dijk due to suspension, but the Dutchman won’t be the only major star missing from the fixture. Bayern Munich’s 22-year-old forward Kingsley Coman is a doubt for the first leg tie.
Coman suffered a leg injury against Augsburg on Friday night during Bayern’s 3-2 win. The Frenchman limped off the pitch after scoring twice and assisting a goal for Bayern.
Bayern Munich: Coman’s impact
Coman has been in fine form for the German champions since early December. He has two goals and an assist in his last 10 games.
The Frenchman missed 11 matches earlier this season due to an ankle injury. It is believed Coman suffered a recurrence of the injury and could be out for several weeks.
Coman’s left ankle has been a recurring problem for him over the last few years. He underwent surgery on it last year preventing him from playing at the World Cup.
Liverpool: Who will pair with Joel Matip?
Van Dijk will serve a one-match suspension on Tuesday night. Joel Matip is the only fit centre-back for the Reds, but Dejan Lovren is making progress in his bid to feature.
Lovren has been recovering from a hamstring injury. He missed Liverpool’s Marbella warm-weather training camp as he recovered from the issue.
The defender returned to Croatia to work with a strength and conditioning coach, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will field Fabinho as Matip’s defensive partner if Lovren cannot play. The Echo also claims captain Jordan Henderson will be the Reds’ emergency centre-back.
According to Klopp, he will make a decision on Monday whether or not to include Lovren in the team.
Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich: H2H
Liverpool have played Bayern Munich twice in the last two decades. Yet, neither match was in the Champions League or Europa League.
Liverpool met Bayern Munich in the 2017 Audi Cup during the preseason. Liverpool won the game 3-0.
The two sides also met in 2001 in the UEFA Super Cup. Manager Gerard Houllier led the Reds to victory in the match, 3-2.