Bayern Munich have confirmed their travelling squad for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, with defender Raphael Guerreiro ruled out through injury. The Portuguese full-back sustained a hamstring injury during Bayern's 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz on Saturday, joining a list of absentees that includes Serge Gnabry, Tom Bischof, and Lennart Karl. The German champions announced the squad via their official social media channels ahead of the clash at the Parc des Princes.
Guerreiro's absence is a significant blow for manager Thomas Tuchel, as the 30-year-old has been a versatile and creative presence since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer. His ability to operate at left-back or in midfield provides tactical flexibility that will be missed in a crucial European tie. According to the club's announcement, all other players in the first-team setup are available for selection against the French champions.
The injury to Guerreiro compounds existing fitness concerns in the squad. Serge Gnabry, a winger with considerable experience in the latter stages of European competition, remains out with an adductor problem. Youngsters Tom Bischof (calf) and Lennart Karl (thigh) are also unavailable, though they are not considered regular starters for the senior side at this stage. The available squad suggests Tuchel will rely on the core group that has navigated the knockout stages thus far.
Bayern's path to the semi-finals included a dramatic aggregate victory over Manchester City in the quarter-finals. The team's domestic form has been inconsistent this season, but they have consistently raised their level in the Champions League. Facing a PSG side led by Kylian Mbappé, Bayern's defensive organization will be paramount, making the loss of a seasoned defender like Guerreiro particularly untimely.
This match marks a return to Paris for Tuchel, who previously managed PSG and led them to the 2020 Champions League final. The narrative adds an extra layer of intrigue to a tie between two clubs with recent history in the competition. Bayern Munich will be aiming to secure a positive result away from home to take back to the Allianz Arena for the second leg on May 6th. The winner of this tie will advance to the final at Wembley Stadium on June 7th.
