Bayern Munich’s star winger Arjen Robben did not take part in training on Tuesday due to a severe cold, and the Dutch attacker could find himself out of the Champions League round of 16 decider against Juventus.
The Bavarians welcome Juventus to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday for the second leg of their Round of 16 encounter. Bayern carry an advantage in the form of two away goals, after the sides played out a 2-2 draw in Turin. However, Pep Guardiola’s men will be keen to ensure that they do not repeat their second-half performance from the first leg, when they face the Bianconeri in front of their home fans.
Ahead of the match, the most significant team update is that star winger Arjen Robben could be ruled out of the encounter. Robben could not participate in the training session Bayern Munich had on Tuesday because of a cold. The ailment could prevent the Dutchman from playing against Juventus as well.
“I don’t know if he can play,” said Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, according to the Guardian.
“I hope he can make it but at this point I do not know it. We could not train too much because of the snow. At the end it became a bit dangerous.”
The impressive young French midfielder Kingsley Coman would most likely take his place.
Bayern Munich can take heart from the fact that defensive midfielder Javi Martinez is close to a return after a long spell on the sidelines. Martinez will provide some welcome relief to Guardiola, who has lost two of his first-choice defenders in Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber to major injuries. The Spaniard could even start the game against Juventus, given Guardiola’s lack of options in that area.
Martinez would be partnered by Medhi Benatia, Juan Bernat and Philipp Lahm in the back four, protecting goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Arturo Vidal and Thiago Alcantara will play in central midfield, with the quartet of Thomas Muller, Douglas Costa, Robert Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman making up the formidable attack.
