Bayern Munich Face Major Selection Test Ahead of Freiburg Bundesliga Clash
Bayern Munich head into their Bundesliga meeting with SC Freiburg facing a significant list of absentees, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic among the latest players in doubt or ruled out. The champions must also cope without head coach Vincent Kompany, adding another layer of uncertainty to a demanding away fixture.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2026, with Freiburg hosting Bayern in Breisgau. Freiburg have made a strong start to the season and sit third in the standings, making this a potentially difficult test for a Bayern side already managing injuries, personal circumstances and a change in leadership on the touchline.
Neuer to Miss Another Match With Foot Problem
Bayern confirmed on Saturday that Neuer will miss the game because of persistent tendon irritation in his foot. The 40-year-old goalkeeper had already sat out the club’s 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig and the Champions League fixture against Viking Stavanger before returning for the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in midweek.
That comeback has proved short-lived. Bayern are taking a cautious approach to the recurring issue, and Neuer will now be unavailable again as the club looks to avoid aggravating the problem. His absence means Jonas Urbig is expected to start in goal.
Urbig has already stepped in during Neuer’s recent spell on the sidelines, appearing against both Leipzig and Stavanger. The 23-year-old has made four appearances for Bayern across all competitions this season and has also featured twice for Germany’s national team. Those outings should help him approach the Freiburg match with useful experience rather than being thrown into the role without preparation.
For Bayern, the key question is not simply whether Urbig can make the necessary saves, but how confidently the defence can function in front of him. Neuer’s experience and command of the penalty area are difficult qualities to replace, so Bayern’s back line may need to provide extra protection, particularly during Freiburg’s set pieces and quick attacking transitions.
Pavlovic Doubt Adds to Bayern’s Midfield Concerns
Midfield depth could be another major concern. Sky reported on Saturday evening that Pavlovic is likely to miss the match because of calf problems. Bayern had not initially confirmed his absence, but the reported issue leaves his availability in doubt ahead of the trip.
Joshua Kimmich is already unavailable following a bereavement in his family. He also missed the Champions League match against Arsenal, meaning Bayern could be without two important central midfielders at the same time. If Pavlovic cannot play, the coaching staff will have to reshape the middle of the pitch and decide how best to balance defensive cover with Bayern’s usual control of possession.
Tom Bischof is among the options available, while 18-year-old Bara Sapoko Ndiaye could be considered for his first start of the season. Another possibility is moving Konrad Laimer into central midfield. Laimer has regularly operated in that role in the past, although shifting him from the right side of defence would create a separate decision at full-back.
The choice could influence Bayern’s overall football approach. A younger or less familiar midfield pairing might require more support from the defenders, while Laimer’s energy and experience could help Bayern press Freiburg and protect the back four. With several regular starters missing, flexibility may be just as important as individual quality.
Several More First-Team Players Unavailable
Bayern’s injury list extends beyond the goalkeeper and midfield. Attacking player Luis Diaz is out with a small muscle tear, while playmaker Jamal Musiala continues to recover from a thigh injury. Centre-back Min-jae Kim is also unavailable because of a muscle strain.
Those absences reduce Kompany’s options in multiple areas. Musiala’s ability to receive the ball between the lines and create chances in tight spaces is particularly valuable against opponents who defend compactly. Diaz’s pace and direct running offer a different threat, while Kim’s absence limits Bayern’s choices in central defence.
With key players missing, Bayern may need to rely more heavily on their available attacking options and maintain a disciplined shape when possession turns over. Freiburg’s strong league position suggests they are capable of exploiting any gaps, especially if Bayern’s reshuffled midfield struggles to close down space.
Kompany Hospitalised, With Aaron Danks Set to Take Charge
Bayern will also travel without Kompany. The head coach collapsed at the club’s training ground on Friday while watching a session involving the second team and was taken to a Munich hospital for medical tests. The 40-year-old had recently been dealing with a severe viral infection.
Sporting director Max Eberl said on Saturday morning that Kompany’s condition was stable. However, the club has not provided a return date. Eberl stressed that Bayern would give the coach the time he needs and would not impose a timetable while doctors continue to investigate what happened.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks is expected to lead the team in Freiburg. The 43-year-old Englishman joined Bayern’s coaching staff alongside Kompany in 2024, so he is familiar with the manager’s methods and the squad. His immediate task will be to keep the players focused while making decisions under challenging circumstances.
Freiburg vs Bayern Munich: Match Prediction and Key Factors
This fixture presents a tougher challenge than Bayern’s recent emphatic win over Leipzig might suggest. Freiburg’s position near the top of the table reflects a strong start, and home advantage could help them test a Bayern side missing several established starters. The visitors still have considerable quality, but their depth will be examined across the goalkeeper, midfield and attacking positions.
The main factor in any Freiburg vs Bayern Munich prediction is likely to be Bayern’s ability to control the centre of the pitch. If Bischof, Laimer or another replacement can help the visitors retain possession and limit Freiburg’s counterattacks, Bayern should have the tools to create chances. If the midfield lacks cohesion, Freiburg may find opportunities to press and attack the spaces around the defence.
Urbig’s performance will also attract attention, though his recent appearances mean he is not entering the match cold. Bayern’s experience and attacking depth could still make them favourites, but the number of absences makes a straightforward victory less certain. A competitive contest, with Freiburg capable of putting the champions under pressure, is a reasonable expectation.
For Bayern, the immediate priority is to manage the situation calmly: protect Neuer’s recovery, find a workable midfield combination and support Danks as he takes charge. The result will matter, but the club’s ability to adapt to an unusually difficult week may be just as revealing.
