Who can replace suspended Kimmich in Bayern Munich’s midfield for upcoming Der Klassiker?

Joshua Kimmich’s absence from Bayern Munich’s midfield is a matter of concern for Thomas Tuchel

Joshua Kimmich is one of the most important players in Bayern Munich‘s midfield. He is a versatile player who can play in a number of different positions, but he is most often deployed as a defensive midfielder. Kimmich is a key player in Bayern’s build-up play, and he is also very good at winning tackles and interceptions.

Kimmich is suspended for the upcoming Der Klassiker in the Bundesliga against Borussia Dortmund, so Bayern Munich will need to find a replacement for him. Less than four minutes were on the clock when Kimmich hauled down Marvin Mehlem as the midfielder bore down on goal, while Bayern went on to win by eight goals.

There are a few different options available for manager Thomas Tuchel to replace Kimmich in the first derby this season:

4. Aleksander Pavlovic

Bayern Munich have handed Aleksandar Pavlovic a contract through to 2027 after the up-and-coming defensive midfielder made his first-team debut. He impressed alongside the superstars on the Sabenser Strasse pitches, before doing likewise in pre-season friendlies against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. With Kimmich facing a two-match ban, Pavlovic can prove to be a vital addition in the centre-midfield. Tuchel will consider playing the young 19-year-old in this clash.

3. Leon Goretzka

Goretzka missed the Darmstadt encounter with a broken hand, but, remarkably, is already back in training and is therefore in contention to line up against Dortmund, Goretzka could well slot into Kimmich’s role. The former Schalke man is at his best when providing an extra option in the final third, but with a 90.08 per cent pass completion rate this term, a number only slightly behind the missing Kimmich’s 90.69 per cent. His athleticism can be an important factor in the match against Dortmund.

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2. Jamal Musiala

If Goretzka is not fit to play, Tuchel may choose to move Musiala, who is usually an attacking midfielder, back into a more defensive midfield role to partner Laimer. This would allow Musiala to use his technical skills and creativity to help Bayern Munich build up their attacks, while Laimer would provide the energy and work rate in the midfield. This would require a lot of discipline from the 20-year-old in the midfield to give that covering in midfield.

1. Konrad Laimer

Laimer having started each of the last two matches, is almost guaranteed to begin the contest, especially with Bayern short of natural midfielders. Laimer possesses incredible work rate and stamina and is a valid box-to-box option which is considerably the best option for Tuchel. The Klassiker, especially in front of Dortmund’s home crowd, has the potential to be an incredibly tense affair, and having a strong presence like Laimer, whose composure in possession must not be underrated is very important.

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