Bayern Munich will be without Luis Diaz for the remainder of the Champions League’s league phase following a three-match ban from UEFA. Lucho was sent off minutes before the halftime whistle against Paris Saint-Germain with an ill-advised tackle that led to Achraf Hakimi’s injury.
The Bayern board is challenging UEFA’s decision to hopefully get it reduced to one or two games. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and Director of Sport Max Eberl have both described this decision as somewhat “harsh”. As things stand, this suspension means the Colombian star will surely miss the top of the table clash against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
There will be a lot of things for Vincent Kompany and the coaching staff to do to replace Luis Diaz’s productivity and work rate against one of the best teams in Europe.
Situations like this show the lack of squad depth at Vincent Kompany’s disposal. Essentially, someone will have to play out of position in arguably Bayern’s biggest game of the season so far.
Potential replacement
The ideal choice would have been Serge Gnabry. The German international is flourishing in his new role as a number 10 this season and would slot in Diaz’s place perfectly, as it is his natural position.
Unfortunately, Gnabry picked up a slight knock on World Cup qualifier duty and will be a touch-and-go come gametime in London.
Lennart Karl has been sublime for Bayern as a right winger and a number 10. However, he rarely ever drifts onto the left flank, let alone having to do so for at least an hour at the Emirates. Playing on the left would minimise his magical left foot and cut inside ability. Additionally, Karl also picked up a minor injury against Freiburg and may struggle against the very physical Jurrien Timber.
Tom Bischof has played on the left before. But with the U21 Germany captain featured in all 90 minutes last weekend, it is highly unlikely that he would start on Wednesday,
Raphael Guerreiro can also operate on the left-hand side. The Portuguese “Swiss Army Knife” has played primarily as a left-back throughout his career before moving to Bayern. He can definitely put up a more than decent shift replacing Luis Diaz. However, similar to the names mentioned above, fitness is a great barrier, as he hasn’t played since the clash against Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month.
Another logical option would be Nicolas Jackson. The 24-year-old has suited up twice for Chelsea as a left-winger before, but was underwhelming on both occasions.
When times get tough, dial up Konrad Laimer. He came on for Goretzka against Freiburg and operated mainly on the left. He could be a viable defensive option for Bayern.
Possible lineup
With all that being said, it is most probable that Serge Gnabry will be Kompany’s choice on the team sheet. The German offers tactical stability and clutchness against London teams.
A full game rest against Freiburg could be enough for our Chef to come in and dish up some assists and bag some golazos in the Emirates.
To cover up Serge Gnabry’s inferior workrate compared to Luis Diaz, Konrad Laimer will possibly be used on the left to help defend Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat, Bukayo Saka.
After a stellar performance with a goal and an assist, Lennart Karl may get a taste of a big Champions League fixture playing as a number 10, where there might be more room for the 17-year-old to comfortably run his show. Kimmich is also expected to be back in business alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Possible starting XI: Neuer – Stanisic/Upamecano/Tah/Laimer – Kimmich/Pavlovic – Olise/Karl/Gnabry – Kane
