Popp's involvement in Wolfsburg's top clash with Munich open
According to coach Tommy Stroot, Alexandra Popp's participation in the top match of the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich is still questionable. Like defenders Marina Hegering and Dominique Janssen, it will probably only be decided on Saturday after training whether the DFB captain will play in Munich on Sunday (15:00/ZDF livestream, MagentaSport, DAZN).
The trio completed parts of the training session on Friday, said Stroot. On Saturday, they would then see if that was enough for the three players. "That's different to what we wanted. But we still try not to do anything stupid," said Stroot on Friday. They would give the players what they need.
Popp recently had muscular problems that made it necessary for Germany's "Footballer of the Year" to leave the German Nations League matches against Wales and in Iceland prematurely.
The situation for national goalkeeper Merle Frohms is similar to that of Popp, Hegering and Janssen. Her involvement will also be decided at short notice. Frohms missed the game against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (2:2) two weeks ago due to a concussion and was replaced by Lisa Schmitz.
Wolfsburg lead the table after five matchdays ahead of Sunday's game (3.00 pm/MagentaSport, DAZN and ZDF livestream) with 13 points ahead of Hoffenheim and FC Bayern (both 11). The clash between the two perennial rivals will take place at the Bayern Campus, which has a capacity of 4,000 spectators.
"I expect another game at eye level, at the top level," said Stroot. "Even if both teams aren't playing at their individual top level right now, it's still the top match in the women's Bundesliga."
Last season, Munich won 1:0 and later secured the title. Head coach Alexander Straus' team has not lost in 20 Bundesliga home games. All of the past eleven championships have been decided between the two clubs, with FC Bayern winning four and Wolfsburg seven titles.
Despite Popp's muscular problems that forced her to exit Germany's Nations League matches early, there's speculation about her potential involvement in VfL Wolfsburg's crucial Bundesliga game against FC Bayern Munich. Regarding Women's Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg, FC Bayern Munich's women's team has not lost at home in 20 Bundesliga games, with the last title decision between the two clubs coming in Bayern's favor.
Source: www.dpa.com
