FC Bayern faces a difficult away match. On Sunday evening (starting at 5:30 p.m., live on DAZN and in the FCBinside LIVETICKER), the German record champions will visit SC Freiburg. The Munich team will have to do without several key players. The personnel situation is particularly tight in central midfield. The projected lineup therefore suggests some interesting changes.

Following Joshua Kimmich’s absence, FC Bayern will also be without Aleksandar Pavlovic. The 22-year-old is being rested as a precaution due to calf issues. This means the regular midfield duo will not be available.

There’s also an unusual situation on the bench. Following Vincent Kompany’s collapse, assistant coach Aaron Danks is taking charge of the team. The Englishman now faces the challenge of putting together a strong starting lineup despite the numerous absences.

In addition to Neuer, Kimmich, and Pavlovic, the Munich side will also be without Minjae Kim, Jamal Musiala, and Luis Díaz. This leaves Danks with very few personnel options.

Still, Michael Olise is available to FCB again after serving a suspension during the week’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League.

Laimer and Bischof could form Bayern’s midfield.

A surprising solution is taking shape in central midfield. According to reports, Tom Bischof and Konrad Laimer could start together as the defensive midfield duo.

For Laimer, this would mean a return to his original position. The Austrian has primarily been used as a fullback at Bayern in recent years. Due to the absences of Kimmich and Pavlovic, he could now be called upon to play in the center again.

Bischof, meanwhile, would take on the playmaking role and be responsible for building up play.

There could also be a change on the left flank. Alphonso Davies is not slated to play left back in the projected lineup, but rather as an attacking winger, as he did most recently against Arsenal.

Behind him, Nathaniel Brown could start at left back.

In goal, Jonas Urbig will replace the injured Manuel Neuer. The captain is sidelined due to persistent tendon irritation in his foot.

The back four will almost certainly consist of Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, and Brown.

Ahead of the midfield duo of Bischof and Laimer, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Davies are expected to lead the attack. Harry Kane is a sure starter at center forward.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/25/not-elf-gegen-freiburg-so-koennte-der-fc-bayern-spielen/.