Bayern is counting on its roster and the return of injured stars. But following Ismael Saibari’s injury, the transfer question has taken on a new sense of urgency.

FC Bayern is confident in its existing resources. Club officials have emphasized this stance repeatedly in recent weeks. However, following the string of injuries against Borussia Dortmund, the discussion has taken a different turn: It’s no longer just a matter of whether the roster has enough quality. What’s becoming increasingly crucial is how many of these players are actually available.

As recently as Saturday evening, Jan-Christian Dreesen had responded cautiously to a question about winter transfers. “No, I don’t think we need to make any more signings. Lucho is on the right track, and Jamal will be back soon. We shouldn’t commit to anything too soon,” explained the CEO.

Dreesen’s plan thus relies primarily on the return of Luis Díaz and Jamal Musiala. In the meantime, however, it has become clear that Ismael Saibari had to undergo surgery after tearing his syndesmotic ligament. According to information from BILD, he faces at least a three-month layoff. Serge Gnabry is also sidelined with a muscle injury.

Ironically, the very players who were supposed to step in are now out.

The situation becomes particularly explosive when viewed in light of an earlier transfer debate. When Díaz spoke in September about needing another player for his position, Max Eberl pointed to Saibari. “Where did Isi score his goal today?” the sporting director asked after the 7-0 win over Union Berlin. The Moroccan had scored from the left side after coming on as a substitute for Díaz.

Saibari was thus a key argument against signing an additional winger. Gnabry was also among the alternatives. Now both are out at the same time as Díaz. The flexibility of individual players is of little help when several of the intended solutions are unavailable at once.

Interim coach Aaron Danks can respond with lineup changes. Alphonso Davies played further up the field against Dortmund, while Nathaniel Brown took over the number 10 position. Tom Bischof could also take on more offensive roles. Such variations expand the options but simultaneously tie the players in question to other positions.

Another argument against making winter transfers is that the situation could ease by January. Musiala, Díaz, and Gnabry could then be available again. A new signing would also need to make a tangible impact on the field and wouldn’t make sense simply because the injury list is particularly long in early November.

Saibari’s expected extended absence, however, changes the outlook. Bayern may still miss his versatility even after other attackers return.

As recently as mid-October, Eberl had expressed great confidence in the existing roster. No new transfer decision has been announced so far. However, the coming weeks will show whether the internal solutions will also allow for rotation and provide relief—or whether they’ll merely be enough to put together the next starting lineup.

That is precisely what will likely determine the winter transfer window strategy. If the injured players return in time and are fit enough to handle the workload, the decision not to bring in reinforcements remains understandable. If, on the other hand, players from other parts of the team have to step in on a permanent basis, the hope of having a fully available roster would become an increasingly risky foundation for the second half of the season.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/11/03/verletzungsmisere-bei-bayern-geht-die-rechnung-ohne-wintertransfer-auf/.