Bitter for Chelsea, an advantage for Bayern? One of the most important players in the blues is at risk of being injured for the round of 16 in the Champions League.
- On February 25, Bayern meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge .
- For the round of 16 of the Champions League , the most important blues player threatens to fail.
- Midfielder N'Golo Kanté suffered a thigh injury on Monday evening.
Munich - Spötter will say that the season for Bayern is only really beginning on February 25th. Then the record champions will face Chelsea in the first knockout round of the Champions League .
The rivalry with the blues has been well known since 2012 and the tragic “Finale dahoam”. Bayern won the triple the following year and defeated London as the reigning Champions League winner * in the 2013 UEFA Supercups final on penalties. But the sting of the traumatic experience of eight years ago will still be deep with some Bavaria fans.
FC Bayern: shock for Chelsea FC - blues star injures his knee and threatens to fail
In this respect, the round of 16 in the premier class is a very controversial duel, especially since both teams are in a state of change. The Bavarians , who only come back to the European top after the Robbery era .
Chelsea FC could be missing N'Golo Kanté (r.) Longer.
© AFP / ADRIAN DENNIS
On the other hand, Chelsea FC , which had been as far away from the CL title in recent years as Giesing von Schwabing and his transfer ban has meant that despite the Abramovich millions, you had to bet more on your own youth. A really important player in the team of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is N'Golo Kanté among all the young talents. The French world champion is at the heart of the blues midfield .
And this very heart could be missing in the showdown against Bayern ! The 28-year-old injured Manchester United (0-2) in the game on Monday evening and had to be replaced in the 12th minute.
N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea FC) threatens to fail against Bayern
Following the United defeat, Lampard said at the press conference: "We have to examine and scan his knee," said the coach: "But it doesn't look good."
Kanté had been struggling with injuries throughout the season and missed several games in August and October. "I can't tell you if the old injury has broken out again," Lampard said. Should Kanté actually turn out to be longer, that would be a significant weakening for Chelsea .
The Blues are forced into an early change as Kante looks to have taken a knock. Mount is called into action from the bench.
0-0 [12 '] #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/ehxb8dRAsA
Only FC Niklas Süle and Javi Martinez will not be available to Bayern for the first leg at Stamford Bridge . Central defender Süle is still suffering from the consequences of a cruciate ligament tear, but hopes to be able to intervene in the course of the season. Martinez contracted a muscle injury in December and is currently working on a comeback.
With Lucas Hernandez , who could become an option again after his ankle injury and the resurrected Jerome Boateng, Bayern coach Hansi Flick * can build on two alternatives in central defense alongside the new defense boss David Alaba for the game in London next week.
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* tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
Rubric list picture: © AFP / ADRIAN DENNIS