Bayern Munich Faces Defensive Crisis Ahead of Crucial RB Leipzig Match

Bayern Munich is grappling with a defensive challenge ahead of their important Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig on January 17, 2026. All three of Bayern’s right-back options are sidelined due to injury or illness. Konrad Laimer, who had been recently deputizing in the role, is out for 3 to 4 weeks with a calf muscle tear. Josip Stanisic is injured with an ankle issue, while Sacha Boey is indisposed due to a stomach virus.

This unexpected shortage may force coach Vincent Kompany to deploy Joshua Kimmich at right-back despite his recent ankle problems. Kompany stated, “Everything is an option now. We must ensure we have players who can help the team and anyone could be asked to play in a different position.” Other possibilities include using Raphael Guerreiro, who has experience in the position, or adapting center-backs and even offensive players like Serge Gnabry or Leon Goretzka to mitigate Leipzig’s threat from the left side.

Kompany is optimistic about overcoming the setback, reflecting on previous occasions where the team managed similar challenges successfully. He also highlighted the tactical flexibility in attack, praising Harry Kane for his versatile offensive positioning akin to players like Toni Kroos and Kevin De Bruyne. The match promises intensity with both teams expected to play offensively.

Bayern Munich's match against RB Leipzig is widely available to watch, with broadcasters such as Sky, DAZN, RTL, and free-to-air channels like ARD and ZDF offering extensive coverage of Bundesliga fixtures across Germany.