Bayern Munich full-back David Alaba has been ruled out for a “spell” after injuring himself during the warm-up versus RB Leipzig on Saturday.
The Austrian tore his left thigh muscle, meaning that he missed the match against Leipzig, which duly finished 1-1.
While the club website announced that he will be out for a ‘spell’, German reporter Manuel Bonke announced that the injury is likely to keep the full-back out for several weeks, as confirmed by the club’s official website.
Bearing in mind David Alaba’s experience and attacking prowess, Bayern are likely to miss the full-back largely.
So far in his three games, he has scored one goal and has played every minute of the games he has been fit for. He has a WhoScored average rating of 7.16 – the sixth highest out of the entire squad at Bayern Munich.
With Lucas Hernandez filling in at left-back during on Saturday, it is likely that he will continue to do so, which could have a negative impact on the side’s attacking line-up.
Hernandez is primarily a centre-half – even though he is very comfortable at left-back (Transfermarkt).
Considering that Alaba has the second-highest amount of average crosses per game with 1.7, they will be missing a key threat on that left-flank, compared to Hernandez who has not made one cross this season despite playing the whole of Saturday at left-back.
It’s obviously a huge loss for Bayern, but ultimately, one they should be able to manage through. They have a lot of depth in those defensive positions now after signing Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard.
They will miss that attacking threat from left-back, however, they have a favourable set of fixtures coming up with Red Star Belgrade, FC Koln, Paderborn before a big game against Tottenham on October 1 – a game which he may miss.
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