Bayern's Boateng out for Leverkusen tie
Bayern Munich will be without first-choice centre-back Jerome Boateng for Saturday's trip to Bayer Leverkusen.
Hampered by an adductor issue, he'll be held out of the squad with one eye on Tuesday's pivotal Champions League quarter-final second leg at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Friday.
"Boateng has a minor problem with his adductor but we think he'll be fine for Madrid," the Italian gaffer said.
The Germany international's absence may be one of several lineup shuffles as the Bavarian behemoth attempts to overturn a one-goal deficit against Los Blancos next week in order to book a continental semi-final spot for the fourth season on the bounce.
In Boateng's absence, Ancelotti said David Alaba will slide into a central role with Juan Bernat deputising for the Austrian international at left-back. Robert Lewandowski - who appears fit to play versus Madrid - and Mats Hummels will not play Saturday at the BayArena, as Lewandowski is suspended and Hummels is bothered by an ankle concern.
Ancelotti also confirmed that reserve team defender Nicolas Feldhahn will be in the squad, and he'll determine the other moves Friday.
"I'll look at training today and then decide about the lineup," Ancelotti explained.
As Bayern looks to expand on its 10-point gap atop the Bundesliga standings on debutant RB Leipzig, the celebrated manager remains focused on the short term, not Tuesday's daunting visit to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I don't want to talk about the game against Real Madrid," Ancelotti said. "Tomorrow is an important game. We want to put in a good performance and win."
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