Gnabry back: Why "weight plays a role"
Serge Gnabry is looking forward to his Bundesliga comeback. The FC Bayern winger, who has been called up by national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the final international matches of the year, will make his first Bundesliga appearance since mid-September against 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky). The 28-year-old last played for the Munich side in the league on September 15, after which he had to take a break due to a broken arm suffered shortly afterwards in the cup.
"Thank God Serge is back," said coach Thomas Tuchel. Gnabry made two brief appearances in the DFB Cup in Saarbrücken and in the Champions League group win against Galatasaray Istanbul. Now the starting eleven beckons.
Tuchel: "We have to be smart"
"We need him and he's important for us. He's a candidate," said Tuchel, announcing a number of changes. "We'll find a good mix of changes that we have to make medically and changes to bring in fresh energy after the intense games recently. We have to be smart." Following Jamal Musiala's injury, Thomas Müller is also expected to return to the starting line-up.
Like Leon Goretzka after a hand fracture, Gnabry will also line up with a splint for protection. "It's the feedback from Serge and also the feedback from Leon Goretzka that the movement sequence changes with a brace, that the weight also plays a role," explained Tuchel. This leads to a change in statics.
A natural inhibition threshold
"You noticed it more clearly with Serge in the game in Saarbrücken than in training. It's getting less every day, he has a smaller splint. Nevertheless, there is a natural inhibition threshold to overcome," said Tuchel.
Gnabry is also back in the national team squad. He was absent through injury on his debut under Nagelsmann in October against the USA (3:1) and Mexico (2:2). Now he can look forward to the games against Turkey and Austria.
Before that, he wants to celebrate with the Munich team. With a win, they want to move to the top of the table in the long-distance duel with Bayer Leverkusen, at least for the time being. The Werkself will host 1. FC Union Berlin on Sunday.
Tuchel attends annual general meeting
Leading the table, at least for the time being, would also please the members at the annual general meeting this Sunday. Tuchel is looking forward to his premiere at this event.
"I don't think the players will be there because they are with the national teams. I will be there," said the 50-year-old. But first of all, they have "an important date" against Heidenheim. "We want to create as positive a mood as possible."
Gnabry is set to return to Bundesliga action this weekend, facing 1st FC Heidenheim with FC Bayern Munich. This will be his first league appearance since September 15, following his recovery from a broken arm.
In the midst of preparations for their encounter against Heidenheim, coach Thomas Tuchel highlighted the importance of managing Gnabry's return, mentioning that the "weight also plays a role" due to his arm splint, affecting his movement and statics.
Source: www.dpa.com
