Clear statement from Tuchel: "Fixed point" Kimmich in the starting eleven
Coach Thomas Tuchel has left no doubt that national team player Joshua Kimmich, who has been suspended in the Bundesliga, will be back in FC Bayern Munich's starting eleven against Galatasaray Istanbul in the Champions League. "Jo is a regular player and a fixture in my team. He will start," said Tuchel ahead of the home game this Wednesday (21:00/DAZN), in which the German record champions can secure an early place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
"That would be a huge confirmation," said Tuchel on the possibility of progressing on the fourth of six matchdays. Bayern lead Group A with nine points after three wins, well ahead of second-placed Istanbul (4 points).
Captain Manuel Neuer will be back in goal in the Champions League for the first time since breaking his leg. The 37-year-old also voted clearly for Kimmich to play in midfield despite Bayern's strong performance without the 28-year-old in the 4-0 win in Dortmund. "If I can choose a team and Joshua is available, I always want to play with him," said Neuer in the press conference before the final training session.
Apart from Matthijs de Ligt, who has a knee injury, only Raphael Guerreiro will be missing for Munich. The Portuguese is set to return to the squad on Saturday against 1. FC Heidenheim following a muscle injury, as Tuchel announced. Kimmich will then be suspended for the last time following his Bundesliga sending-off in the 8-0 defeat to Darmstadt.
Source: www.dpa.com
