Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting ruled out of Manchester City clash with injury

Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will miss the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City through injury, as confirmed by the club.

The Cameroonian striker sat out the weekend’s Bundesliga game against Freiburg due to knee problems, and he hasn’t recovered for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

The 34-year-old’s absence will be a huge blow for the Bavarians, given that he has been their top goalscorer this season (14 in all competitions).

Choupo-Moting has also been instrumental in Bayern’s impeccable run in the Champions League, scoring against Barcelona, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in the previous rounds.

His absence leaves Bayern short-handed as they lack a genuine striker in the squad.

Thomas Tuchel deployed Serge Gnabry as a centre-forward over the weekend, but it remains to be seen whether the move will again pay off against Man City.

Choupo-Moting has shown everyone that he belongs among the elite strikers in Europe, but he has seen his progress curtailed by various injuries.

After reclaiming top spot in the Bundesliga, Bayern are preparing for their biggest test of the season against the Cityzens.

The Bavarians weren’t clinical in terms of finishing against Freiburg, but they can’t afford the same on Tuesday night.

Sadio Mane’s lack of form remains a concern for the German giants, with the Senegalese forward going through a rough patch.

Pep Guardiola’s men are brimming with confidence after thrashing Southampton 4-1 over the weekend, which extended their undefeated run to 12 games in all competitions.