Jerome Boateng ruled out of Liverpool clash
Bayern Munich have confirmed that defender Jerome Boateng will miss the first-leg of the Champions League Last 16 clash with Liverpool due to a gastrointestinal infection.
Twitter: Personal-Update von Niko Kovac: “@JB17Official fehlt wegen eines Magen-Darm-Infekts. @FranckRibery ist in der Nacht… https://t.co/qEsldQkjNl (@FCBayern)
Bayern, who are already without Arjen Robben, Corentin Tolisso and Thomas Muller, decided to leave Boateng at home for the trip to Anfield when it became apparent that his illness was severe enough to affect his match fitness.
Meanwhile, winger Franck Ribery did not travel with the rest of his teammates as his partner gave birth overnight. However, Bayern have confirmed that he will still be available for selection as he’ll make his way to Liverpool on Monday afternoon.
Like Bayern, Liverpool also have defensive issues as Virgil van Dijk is suspended for the game and Joe Gomez has been ruled out.
Dejan Lovren hasn’t given up on his chances of featuring, but it looks like the Croatian is losing his battle to be fit for the game, which means one of Fabinho or Jordan Henderson will partner Joel Matip at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.