MUNICH: Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has not yet given up hope that World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard (pix) could play in the Champions League next week despite currently being injured.
However, Flick told dpa on Sunday that the defender will not take part in a pre-tournament training camp in the Algarve due to his foot problem.
“We are waiting day-by-day with Benji,” said Flick.
Flick said after Saturday's last 16 second leg with Chelsea, won 4-1 for a 7-1 aggregate, the 24-year-old Pavard was “making progress” after injuring ligaments in training two weeks ago.
Joshua Kimmich moved from midfield to deputize at fullback against the Londoners with Thiago returning to the centre of the park.
Bayern will stay in their camp from Sunday until flying to Lisbon on Thursday. They open against Barcelona in the quarterfinals at Benfica’s Stadium of Light on Friday.
Pavard attended the Chelsea match on crutches and with a protective shoe.
“We’ll have to wait if something is eventually possible with the quarterfinal or semifinal,” said Flick. “We’ll try everything.
“We hope that there is still the chance that he could come into the tournament.”
Winger Kinsgley Coman was protected on Saturday but will head to Portugal along with defender Jerome Boateng, who is fit despite picking up a knock against Chelsea. – dpa
