Bayern Munich Facing Key Absentees Against United
Bayern Munich are contending with several issues ahead of their Champions League group stage opener against Manchester United on Wednesday night. Up to four key players may be missing from their squad. The Bundesliga champions will be without head coach Thomas Tuchel, who is serving a one-match ban. While Tuchel can access the dressing room before the match, at half-time, and after the game, he will be watching from the stands during the fixture. Additionally, Bayern could be without Manuel Neuer, Raphael Guerreiro, Joshua Kimmich, and Kingsley Coman for the clash at the Allianz Arena. Neuer, who broke his leg in a skiing accident late last year, will be absent, with Sven Ulreich expected to step in as goalkeeper.
Raphael Guerreiro, the Portuguese left-back who joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund this summer, is also sidelined with a calf injury and will miss the encounter. Despite Guerreiro’s absence, Bayern have capable cover in Alphonso Davies, who brings substantial experience to the left-back position. Joshua Kimmich is a doubt for the match due to a recent issue with muscle tension. He is expected to undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability. Kingsley Coman, who missed Bayern’s recent match due to a muscular injury, could also be unavailable, which would be a significant blow for the German side.
Antony’s Accuser Withdraws Complaint
One of the individuals accusing Manchester United forward Antony of assault has withdrawn their complaint. Antony, 23, faces allegations of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavillin on multiple occasions. The player has denied all accusations, and it is important to note that he has not been arrested or charged with any offences. Another accuser, Ingrid Lana, had claimed that Antony was aggressive towards her in October 2022, alleging that his actions could have been fatal. However, it has been reported by The Telegraph that a third case, involving an alleged incident in a car in May 2022, has been retracted at the request of the alleged victim.
The initial report, made by law student Rayssa de Freitas, alleged that Antony and Mallu Ohana—ex-wife of Brazilian player Dudu—were involved in an incident at a São Paulo nightclub. The Telegraph now reports that the case has been fully withdrawn, with both women reportedly accusing each other of sexual assault. Manchester United were reportedly unaware of this police report until it surfaced in Brazilian media earlier this month. The club is emphasising that they conducted thorough due diligence checks on Antony prior to his £85 million transfer to Old Trafford.
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