Borussia Dortmund without Julian Brandt for Bayern Munich clash

Ruhr Nachrichten report that Borussia Dortmund will be without Julian Brandt for today’s Klassiker against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga Topspiel.

The 28-year-old was doubtful heading into the game following his substitution against Dinamo Zagreb in midweek. Brandt said after the game that “it will be difficult” when asked if he would feature against Bayern Munich. Those murmurs were confirmed on Saturday in the build-up the Klassiker, which have since been confirmed by Sky Germany too.

Brandt has seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in 18 games across all competitions for Borussia Dortmund this season, and the German’s absence will be a huge blow.

Pascal Groß, who played at right-back against Dinamo Zagreb, should return to midfield alongside Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer in the absence of Brandt, with Julian Ryerson coming in at right-back.

Michael Olise is set to return to Bayern Munich’s starting line-up for their Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga Topspiel. Leroy Sané started ahead of the Frenchman in their 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, but failed to impress which could see the return of Olise, who has eight goal contributions (five goals, three assists) in 11 league games.

Vincent Kompany continues to be without Hiroki Ito and Aleksandar Pavlovic but there is some good news when it comes to the latter. Pavlovic, who suffered a broken collarbone against Stuttgart in October, has returned to training and could play before Christmas, which was not originally expected.

Kingsley Coman has also impressed of late and should start ahead of Serge Gnabry, while Harry Kane continues to be in excellent goalscoring form, becoming the quickest player to reach 50 Bundesliga goals, doing so in 43 games, beating Erling Haaland’s record of 50 in 50.

Kompany also has a strong bench available with Eric Dier, Raphaël Guerreiro, Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, Gnabry and Sané.