Injured Bayern Munich superstar in frame for return against PSG

Injured Bayern Munich superstar in frame for return against PSG

Isaac Darko
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM
In this article:
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S. Mané
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  • Sadio Mane is ready to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League
  • The Senegalese forward returned to action for the Bavarians after a lengthy injury layoff
  • Bayern pipped PSG 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League

Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane is in the frame for a return to the starting lineup in Wednesday's second leg with Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash at Stuttgart, Nagelsmann said Mane will continue his return following three months on the sidelines after a leg injury ruled him out of the World Cup.

The Senegal forward made his first appearance since November when he came off the bench for 25 minutes in Sunday's 3-0 win over fellow title-chasers Union Berlin.

Sadio Mane, Bayern Munich, PSG
Injured Bayern Munich superstar Sadio Mane is in frame for return against PSG. Credit: @espnfc
Source: Getty Images

Nagelsmann suggested that Mane would again feature off the bench against Stuttgart.

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"He's making a good impression. We will try and give him more minutes," said Nagelsmann.
"It was a serious injury but his fitness levels are good. Sadio is part of the usual competition for spots."
Nagelsmann said his side needed to "walk the tightrope" with team selections ahead of the "incredibly important game" against PSG while considering their push for domestic honours.

Bayern hold a 1-0 advantage ahead of Wednesday's return Champions League fixture and sit equal on points with Borussia Dortmund in the league.

Bayern could be three points behind at kickoff should Dortmund win Friday's home clash with RB Leipzig but Nagelsmann implied the priority was to ensure progression to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Nagelsmann revealed in-form defender Benjamin Pavard may sit on the bench against Stuttgart as he is ineligible to play PSG after picking up a second yellow for a late tackle on Lionel Messi.

"If you look at it in isolation, you have to bring him in" Nagelsmann said as "Pavard is in extremely good form."

"But there is the issue that he is suspended on Wednesday. You would take away the rhythm of a player (if Pavard starts)."

Nagelsmann said he "would not rotate much" and revealed he wanted to "develop a core group to play together in difficult phases, who can grow in confidence over time."

Only winger Leroy Sane is in doubt for Saturday's match although the former Man City forward will make the trip to Stuttgart if he comes through a fitness test on Friday.

Mane on Ronaldo influence

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane has explained that Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo backed him before he made a move to Bayern Munich from EPL side Liverpool.

Mane spent six solid years at Liverpool where he won the Premier League and Champions League titles with the Reds before he departed.

Since his exit, Jurgen Klopp and his wards have been struggling in all competitions with fans confused and frustrated about the club's campaign this term.

Sadio Mane speaks on comeback

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Sadio Mane shared his excitement after finally making his Bayern Munich comeback following a four-month injury layoff.

The Senegalese forward cameoed as the Bavarians brushed aside title rivals, Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on February 26.

Mane, who replaced Kingsley Coman in the 65th minute, admitted to missing the game and said he was happy to be back.

The Africa Player of the Year missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup after picking up an injury during a game against Werder Bremen in November 2022.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)