Key goalkeepers and star attackers face uncertain status ahead of the Real Madrid-Bayern Munich Champions League quarterfinal.
The FIFA break has ended, and all the teams qualified for the next World Cup are now known, so the football world turns its attention to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, where Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will face each other. The tie will begin at the Bernabeu Stadium and conclude at the Allianz Arena.
A few days ago, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa said at a news conference that "they are one of the best-prepared teams in Europe right now. It will be a tough matchup, especially with the second leg in Munich. Now we focus on the upcoming matches, then we will think about Bayern with the same mindset."
For his part, Vincent Kompany told reporters that "it does not matter who the best team is right now. The history, the talent on the pitch -- that is special. We expect a great match and, of course, we want to win and advance. I don't know. I don't want to decide that now at a news conference. That is for you to decide. Both teams have an enormous amount of quality. I hope we put on a good match for the fans. Real Madrid is the best team in Champions League history, so it will be an interesting challenge for us. We want to win."
Real Madrid and Bayern Might Have Significant Absences
What nobody expected, however, is the absences both teams will face -- especially for the first leg at Bernabeu Stadium -- as starting goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Neuer will be unavailable.
The problem for the Bavarian giant is that the situation is even more complicated, as the three goalkeepers behind the historic German shot-stopper are also injured.
This means Vincent Kompany cannot call on Sven Ulreich, Jonas Urbig, or Leon Klanac -- who would normally be the ones to replace Manuel Neuer -- with all eyes now turning to Leonard Prescott, the other youth team goalkeeper, who is just 16 years old.
Bayern Munich is also very concerned, as Harry Kane did not play in either of England's matches against Uruguay and Japan, setting off alarm bells at Allianz Arena.
"Harry Kane will rest tonight as a precaution after experiencing minor discomfort in training, but will remain with the squad to be reassessed," the England national team said regarding the forward's absence against Japan.
If the English forward's absence is confirmed, Vincent Kompany would field a team without its biggest references -- both in defense and attack -- something that has Real Madrid fans rubbing their hands together.
Bayern Munich will also be without Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies for this first leg, two players who have endured difficult stretches in recent months.
What is clear is that, beyond the names, Real Madrid is not taking these absences for granted -- especially because they are well aware that the Germans will not give anything away on the pitch.
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