Gnabry expected fit for Real Madrid clash

Bayern Munich are confident that winger Serge Gnabry will be available for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, according to the club’s board member for sport, Max Eberl.

The fitness of the attacker had become a major talking point among fans after he sat out Saturday’s emphatic 5-0 Bundesliga victory over FC St. Pauli because of minor knee problems. 

His absence from the trip to Hamburg left many wondering whether he would recover in time for the decisive European fixture at the Allianz Arena.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Eberl explained that the club had decided it was not sensible for Gnabry to travel. 

He noted that the two flights involved would have made it unlikely for the player to be an option on the pitch in any case. 

Eberl added that the decision had been taken with caution to protect the player’s recovery.

The sporting director was optimistic about Gnabry’s prospects for the midweek encounter. He stated that Bayern expected the Germany international to be fully fit and ready for Wednesday’s game.

The update is welcome news for Bayern supporters. Gnabry started the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu and delivered the assist for Luis Díaz’s opening goal in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid. 

His creativity and pace on the right wing have been important assets for the team throughout the season.

With the tie finely balanced, Gnabry’s potential return would give manager Vincent Kompany an extra attacking threat as Bayern seek to reach the semi-finals.

The club will continue to monitor his condition closely over the next 48 hours, but the early signs from Eberl suggest the 29-year-old is on course to feature in one of the biggest matches of the campaign.