Serge Gnabry Set for Bayern Munich Return Against Union Berlin

Serge Gnabry is in line to make his first competitive Bayern Munich appearance in five months when Vincent Kompany’s side face Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Friday evening.

Key takeaways

• Gnabry has been absent since Bayern’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid on April 15.
• A serious adductor muscle injury kept the 31-year-old out for an extended spell and cost him international involvement during the summer.
• The forward returned to Bayern’s matchday group for the game against SV Elversberg.
• Kompany expects Gnabry to receive playing time against Union Berlin.
• Bayern will have a fully available squad for the first time in a considerable period.

Gnabry set for controlled return

Bayern have taken a cautious approach to Gnabry’s rehabilitation, waiting until the German international was fully confident in his fitness before planning his return to the pitch. Kompany said the player had given the required indication that he was feeling well and that minutes against Union were likely.

The attacker’s long lay-off began after his April 15 outing against Real Madrid, when an adductor problem forced him out of competitive action. The injury also prevented him from reporting for international duty over the summer.

His inclusion in the squad against SV Elversberg represented the first stage of his return, with Friday’s league fixture expected to offer the next opportunity for Bayern to reintroduce him in match action.

Options across Bayern’s attack

Kompany does not see Gnabry as restricted to one role. The Bayern coach pointed to the forward’s strong displays as a number 10 last season, while also noting his experience in wide attacking positions.

That versatility gives Bayern another option across the front line as they seek to maintain their Bundesliga momentum and compete on multiple fronts. Gnabry has also received a national-team call-up, adding further incentive for him to regain rhythm quickly after his lengthy absence.

With Gnabry available again, Kompany can select from a complete squad, a significant boost ahead of the Union Berlin match and the demanding run of fixtures to follow.