Bayern Munich face the difficult task of overturning a 3-0 deficit against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. However, the club's odds of pulling this miracle off have been boosted as one key player has returned to training ahead of the 2nd leg.
That man is Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, the Cameroonian striker who missed the first leg. The 34-year-old suffered a knee injury and has missed the German giants' last three games, with the Bavarians scoring only two goals during that time.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has returned to full training with Bayern Munich ahead of their UEFA Champions League second leg against Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/HFXUsWJfHC
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 18, 2023
The former Stoke City and PSG man is the club's second-top scorer in the Bundesliga and has scored the most goals for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League this season (4), tied with Leroy Sane.
Additionally, given that die Roten have no other striker in their senior set-up besides Choupo-Moting, his injury came as a significant blow. Tuchel was forced to play Serge Gnabry, a winger, down the middle when his side visited the Etihad Stadium.
And to no one's surprise, this was to no avail as the Germans failed to score past Guardiola's men, instead conceding three away from home. Choupo-Moting's return to injury ahead of the reverse tie is a huge boost but there are a few things that should be noted.
Abschlusstraining #FCBayern mit Choupo-Moting! Einsatz gegen ManCity möglich. #FCBMCI @SPORT1 pic.twitter.com/d2WWzBQsPI
— Kerry Hau (@kerry_hau) April 18, 2023
First of all, his inclusion in Wednesday's squad isn't guaranteed. The striker has just returned from the sidelines and while he could feature, the Cameroonian might also miss out as he was seen touching his knee, hinting that there is still discomfort.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting completed full training with the team then worked individually alongside Dr. Holger Broich. The striker was touching his knee which indicates that he's still struggling a bit. Nevertheless, there's still hope he would make it for Wednesday [@BILD] pic.twitter.com/3wOp1GH0xB
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 17, 2023
Additionally, Bayern Munich's odds of overturning the deficit remain slim even in Eric's presence, which means Tuchel might opt against risking their only striker.
The Bavarians currently top the Bundesliga table but they lead by only two points, with bitter rivals Dortmund breathing down their neck. As a result, Tuchel might have to prioritize the German top flight instead.
