Thomas Mueller opens up about Lewandowski's knee injury as they prepare for crucial domestic and European games
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Robert Lewandowski was at the heart of Bayern Munich’s treble-winning campaign last term. The Polish goal machine enjoyed an invincible campaign for the all-conquering German champions in the 2019-20 season. With Bayern well on the path to defend their Bundesliga and Champions League titles, Lewandowski’s knee injury would have come as a huge blow for the Bavarians. The striker has been reportedly sidelined for about four weeks after damaging ligaments in his right knee during a World Cup qualifier for Poland.
German international Thomas Mueller has admitted that Lewandowski’s injury could not have come at a worse time for the German champions. Bayern are set to play second-placed RB Leipzig on Saturday and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinal next week. “Injury to ‘Lewy’ is bitter news for us. It’s the worst possible time,” said Bayern forward Mueller, according to AFP. “Well, others will have to step into the breach.”
With 35 goals in the league this season, the 32-year-old has yet again been a vital cog in Bayern’s domestic dominance. He will be sorely missed in the first leg of the Champions League against PSG in Munich on Wednesday and the return game on April 13. It is not clear whether the Polish striker will be fit to play the semifinal if Bayern prevail over the French heavyweights PSG in the quarterfinal.
It will be interesting to see how Bayern coach Hansi Flick will line-up against Leipzig on Saturday. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting could take over Lewandowski’s position up front or Mueller could be moved forward. The German certainly has the experience of playing in there before.
Another alternative would be to play winger Serge Gnabry as a lone striker in front of the experienced Mueller. It is to be noted that defenders Alphonso Davies and Jerome Boateng will also miss the clash due to suspension. Hence, Niklas Suele could partner David Alaba at centre-back.
