Gnabry pictured "visibly frustrated" after Bayern's stalemate with Viking FK
| Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images. |
Not only was Bayern Munich's performance in their 3-3 draw with Viking FK disjointed, but it was fragmented off the field as well.
According to BILD, Serge Gnabry cut a “visibly frustrated” figure after the final whistle on Matchday 2 of the Champions League tie.
The tabloid's sources state that Gnabry was the first Bayern player to leave the stadium area and head towards the team bus.
It's understood that reason for his bad mood is likely his current sporting situation, having been left on Vincent Kompany's bench once again.
Due to the absence of Jamal Musiala through injury with Germany, the offensive midfield position against Viking had to be filled.
Kompany, however, opted not to start the experienced Gnabry, but instead initially fielded youngster Lennart Karl in the role.
At halftime, new signing Ismael Saibari took over, but neither teammate met expectations and both remained largely without influence.
However, Kompany's decision could also have been based on medical or workload-related reasons regarding the 31-year-old.
Gnabry has been sidelined for months due to injury and is still working his way back to his usual peak physical condition.
Having only made two brief appearances for Munich thus far, perhaps Kompany didn't want to take any unnecessary risks.
After all, the match in Stavanger was played on artificial turf, which can be an additional factor to consider for a player after a long layoff.
