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Both Aston Villa and Bayern Munich might miss very important players when they meet for Champions League action on Wednesday.
Aston Villa faces a challenging scenario ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich.
The match, a repeat of the iconic 1982 European Cup final, promises to be an exciting showdown, but Villa's preparations are marred by injury concerns.
The team has already been dealt a significant blow with the news that captain John McGinn will be sidelined for another two to three weeks due to an injury.
His absence will be felt deeply; McGinn is not just a key midfielder but also a crucial leader on the pitch, known for his relentless energy and drive.
Manager Unai Emery expressed disappointment, emphasising the need for his side to maintain focus on their upcoming fixtures, particularly their Premier League clash with Ipswich Town this Sunday.
Compounding Villa’s worries is the fitness of right-back Matty Cash, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained over a month ago.
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While Cash has a slim chance of being fit for the Bayern match, his participation remains uncertain. Emery's squad is already thin, and losing another integral player would be a significant setback.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich share similar concerns as they prepare for their trip to Villa Park. Their star striker, Harry Kane, suffered an ankle injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
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Kane was substituted late in the match following a robust challenge, raising alarm bells among Bayern’s coaching staff.
Vincent Kompany, while remaining hopeful, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Kane's fitness, stating, “I’m not a doctor, but I hope nothing serious. It’s still early to say.”
However, the prognosis sounded less optimistic from Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, who noted, “If Harry goes off the pitch, something really happened. It doesn’t look good.” Losing Kane would be a devastating blow for Bayern, considering his remarkable record against Aston Villa during his time at Tottenham.
Kane scored eight goals and provided two assists in just 12 appearances against them, making him a formidable presence.
Both teams are keen to secure a positive result as they aim to kickstart their Champions League campaigns on a high note.
For Aston Villa, a strong performance against a top-tier opponent like Bayern is essential, particularly after a strong start to their Premier League season.
However, they must navigate these injury concerns carefully to avoid further setbacks.
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