Tuchel gives first update on the injury of limping De Ligt

During a tense post-match press briefing, Matthijs de Ligt expressed uncertainty to the assembled media about his ability to play in the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Dutch defender's participation hangs in the balance following an injury sustained during Saturday's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. De Ligt had to be treated in the first half and did not return to the pitch after the break, later seen leaving the Allianz Arena with a noticeable limp and a bandaged right knee.

Bayern Munich's coach, Thomas Tuchel, shared this uncertainty. "We have to wait and see what the scans show," Tuchel remarked, highlighting the team's cautious approach to handling player injuries. The situation was compounded by additional injury concerns; Austrian midfielder Konrad Laimer also exited the game early due to a twisted ankle, and young star Jamal Musiala was absent due to back issues.

Despite these setbacks, Bayern Munich's technical director, Max Eberl, offered a more optimistic outlook during the press conference. Eberl suggested that the injuries to De Ligt and Laimer, while concerning, did not appear overly severe at first glance. "It doesn’t look too bad for either of them. We hope that everyone will be available on Tuesday," he stated, providing a hopeful note amidst the uncertainty.

This blend of cautious realism from the coach and optimism from the technical director paints a picture of a team navigating the complexities of high-stakes football, where player health and tactical readiness are continually balanced against the relentless demands of the competition calendar. As Bayern prepares for one of their most critical matches of the season, the health and availability of key players like De Ligt could significantly influence their strategic options and their chances of success against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid.