Bayern Munich have been handed a huge fitness boost ahead of their all-important clash against Manchester City, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting returning to training today, according to Maximilian Koch.
Choupo-Moting has netted an impressive 17 goals in his 28 games across all competitions and was deservingly rewarded with a one-year contract extension last month.
However, the Cameroonian has missed the last three matches due to a knee injury he sustained in the 63rd minute of Bayern’s DFB-Pokal exit to Freiburg on April 4.
Since then, the Bavarians have won just once in three attempts and recently suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Man City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.
Bayern conceded a first-half rocket to Rodri just shy of the half-hour mark but remained firmly in the game.
However, the German champions became the architects of their own downfall in the second period as Dayot Upamecano’s error allowed Bernardo Silva to double City’s lead. Erling Braut Haaland added a third a few minutes later.
As Thomas Tuchel’s side plot a seemingly impossible comeback against Pep Guardiola’s men, they have now been boosted by the return of their leading goalscorer.
Choupo-Moting has netted four goals in his six Champions League outings this term, including the opener in Bayern’s 2-0 second-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
While it is unclear if the 34-year-old will be deemed fit to start on Wednesday, it would be no surprise to see Choupo Moting walk straight into the XI due to Sadio Mane’s recent off-field spat involving Leroy Sane.
Bayern’s lack of cutting edge in recent matches could also influence Tuchel’s thinking, with each of his side’s last three goals coming from the defensive trio of Benjamin Pavard, Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano.