Injury-Hit Bayern Munich Faces Critical Test Against Borussia Dortmund

As Borussia Dortmund prepares to host Bayern Munich in their eagerly anticipated "Der Klassiker" showdown on Saturday, the stage is set for Dortmund's best chance in years to defeat their long-standing rivals, with Bayern grappling with a spate of injuries, particularly in defence.

For the past five years, Bayern Munich has maintained an unbeaten streak against Dortmund in league matches. However, this time, Bayern's prospects are hindered by the absence of several key players, particularly in their defensive lineup. Matthijs de Ligt will be sidelined for several games due to a knee ligament injury, and Dayot Upamecano is out with a hamstring tear, potentially leaving Kim Min-jae as the only recognized central defender in Saturday's squad. Also, Bayern Munich will miss the services of midfielder Leon Goretzka, and former Dortmund defender Raphael Guerreiro is under injury scrutiny. Joshua Kimmich, a vital presence in midfield, will be unavailable for the match due to suspension. Adding to Bayern's woes, they suffered a surprising exit from the German Cup at the hands of third-division Saarbruecken on Wednesday. If they stumble against Dortmund, they could fall as much as five points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and potentially be overtaken by their opponents. Although "Der Klassiker" matchups have seen Bayern dominate in recent years, Dortmund has displayed resilience. In 2022, Dortmund managed a 2-2 draw at home against Bayern, ending a run of seven straight wins for the Bavarians. Dortmund, unbeaten this season and sitting just two points behind Bayern in the fourth position, views this clash as an opportunity to assert themselves. While acknowledging that it has been a while since their last victory against Bayern, Dortmund's coach Edin Terzic emphasized their ability to come close. The upcoming match promises a fierce battle, with both teams eager to seize the moment. Teenage Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging Dortmund to rise to the occasion and declaring, "I hope they're ready because we certainly will be, and we'll do whatever it takes." The stage is set for a high-stakes "Der Klassiker" that could reshape the league's landscape.