Bayern Munich without Lewandowski and Neuer as Nagelsmann rotates for DFB-Pokal opener

Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Bayern Munich will be without Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer for their DFB-Pokal clash with Bremer on Wednesday.

The head coach is set to rotate as Bayern launch their campaign against the fifth-tier side at Werder Bremen’s Weserstadion.

Bayern are aiming to reclaim the trophy after suffering a surprise defeat against Holstein Kiel in the second round of last season’s competition.

Nagelsmann has overseen an unbeaten start to the new season; Bayern taking four points from their opening two games while also retaining the Supercup after a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.

And the head coach revealed he will rest some of his senior players ahead of their trip to Bremen.

“Manuel [Neuer] will be rested, as his foot has flared up again, as we expected,” he said. “He won’t travel to the game. 

“Neither will Robert [Lewandowski], he will stay behind and do some intensive training here. The same goes for Leon [Goretzka].

“For them [Bremer], this is a once-in-a-lifetime game. In the end, the fact is that we need to and want to win, which means that we need to remain focused on the task at hand.” 

Nagelsmann will soon be able to call upon the services of Lucas Hernandez, who returned to team training on Tuesday.

The France international underwent surgery on a meniscus injury at the beginning of July and missed Bayern’s first three games of the season.