SOCCER: Upamecano joins list of sidelined defenders but Bayern have no concerns-Kompany

Bayern Munich will be without centre-back Dayot Upamecano for the Bavarian derby against Augsburg due to a viral infection, but coach Vincent Kompany remains confident despite several defensive absences. The league leaders, unbeaten in the Bundesliga and already through to the Champions League knockout stage, continue to dominate the title race.

REUTERS

January 23, 2026

Bayern Munich's Tom Bischof, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka celebrate after the UEFA Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on January 21, 2026.

Angelika Warmuth / Reuters

MUNICH — Bayern Munich’s center-back Dayot Upamecano will miss Saturday’s Bavarian derby against Augsburg, but coach Vincent Kompany said he is not worried despite the growing number of defensive absences.

The league leaders have won all three of their Bundesliga matches this year, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three. They currently hold an 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Bayern also secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stage a round early after a 2-0 victory over Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday.

Upamecano is sidelined with a viral infection and will remain in bed for several days. Bayern are also without injured defenders Josip Stanisic, Konrad Laimer, and Sacha Boey.

“Despite these absences, we still have good competition for the defense,” Kompany said at a press conference. He named Kim Min-jae, who was sent off in the Champions League on Wednesday but is expected to play on Saturday, as well as Hiroki Ito and Joshua Kimmich, among others.

Bayern remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season and are cruising toward the title, well ahead of Borussia Dortmund.

— Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Kevin Liffey/Reuters