Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba has said that he is unfazed by the threat presented by Mohamed Salah when Liverpool face them during the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The Egypt international has once more been the Reds’ leading performer this term and he has already bagged 20 goals across all competitions.

Speaking to Bild, Alaba acknowledged that Salah is one of the best players in the world but he is confident of coping with the threat presented after previously featuring against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, he said: “Salah's one of the best players in the world. He's fast, but I've played against other fast players such as Mbappe. I know from experience that it is crucial that I use my strengths. It definitely will not be an easy game. But, of course, we believe in ourselves because we know our strength. We are Bayern Munich and we don't have to hide from any opponent! We will give everything to emerge from the duel successfully in the end.”

“Bayern have gone through a mixed run of form through the course of the season“ and they come into the Reds game with the need to tighten up at the back where they have shipped more goals than usual. Nonetheless, they have the opportunity to make the most of the away leg next week, given the Reds could be with just “one fit central defender“ in their ranks.

Joe Gomez (injured) and Virgil van Dijk (one-match European ban) are already out of contention for the visit of the Bavarian giants and they could be joined by Dejan Lovren, who remains a major doubt with a hamstring injury. Thus, Klopp could be forced to play one of James Milner or Fabinho alongside Joel Matip at the heart of the defence and this is something which Bayern may seek to capitalise upon.