Just when Bayern Munich was getting into rhythm, the injury bug strikes again.
Raphaël Guerreiro, starting in central midfield in Saturday’s Bundesliga match on the road at VfB Stuttgart, was forced off after just 16 minutes of action after apparently injuring his ankle following a block of an Angelo Stiller shot.
The blow comes with Bayern just days away from the second leg of its Champions League semifinals clash vs. Real Madrid, which will also be played on the road in Spain.
While Guerreiro did not start the first leg, it means an early substitution on for fellow central midfielder Leon Goretzka.
Guerreiro has been in and out of the lineup in his first season in Bavaria, having arrived on a free transfer from domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund. The Portuguese international had been asserting himself in the second half of the season, however, with strong performances in both midfield and even at left wing.
The potential absence of the versatile 30-year-old would limit coach Thomas Tuchel’s options against Madrid — but we will await more news from the club. Defender Eric Dier’s health is also being monitored.