Heidenheim vs. Bayern Munich preview: Injury-hit champions aiming to bounce back
Bayern Munich will be determined to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund when they travel to Heidenheim, but they will be missing a number of key players.
Heidenheim
Heidenheim came close to pulling off a major upset last week when they turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead against Stuttgart, but ultimately had to settle for a 3-3 draw.
Despite failing to win and stretching their winless streak to six games, Frank Schmidt's men can take confidence from that performance as they prepare for another tricky fixture at home to Bayern.
It will be a game that the Bavarians are expected to win, which means Heidenheim can play without the pressure. It's also not the worst time to face the German champions, who have a big game against Arsenal on Tuesday and a long injury list.
Team News
In addition to the long-term injured Thomas Keller, Heidenheim will be without the suspended Nikola Dovedan and Norman Theuerkauf, who is ill.
Bayern Munich
It's safe to say that Bayern Munich haven't had the ideal build-up to their Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Arsenal on Tuesday.
After losing 0-2 at home to Borussia Dortmund last week, their injury list has grown this week, meaning they will be without Manuel Neuer, Noussair Mazraoui, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman for Saturday's away game in Heidenheim.
Some notable absentees for a Bayern side looking to bounce back and gain confidence ahead of their trip to London.
"None of the five will be rested for Tuesday. They're not in the squad because they're not fit, so they're a doubt for Tuesday. There's no tendency. Every minute counts," said Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel at his pre-match press conference.
Despite the injury situation, Tuchel is aware that Bayern are heavy favorites to win the match against Heidenheim, and he is careful not to underestimate Frank Schmidt's 11th-placed team.
"We have to react, go back to the basics. That's how we can put the Dortmund performance behind us. Tomorrow we'll see a classic David vs. Goliath match, an emotional stadium that supports the home team. Of course, there's a game after that that we're looking at. But we can't press the script button, we're not taking any responsibility away from anyone. If we want to achieve our Champions League dream, we have to perform every day, we have to tighten up every day. We won't let anyone off the hook."
Team News
As mentioned above, Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, Noussair Mazraoui and Aleksandar Pavlović will miss the game. Bayern's injury list also includes Sacha Boey Bouna Sarr and Tarek Buchmann.