To replace or not to replace ALH Inner Timing belt cover

Hello,
My brother in law is replacing his head on a 03 jetta (alh) due to TB issue. In the process we have found that the inner timing belt cover is broken right around the IP pulley. How important is it to replace a inner TB cover? Also if we decide to put a new cover, do we need to remove the IP pulley?
thanks,
Sam

Yes, you need to remove the pulley as it is attached underneath via the injection pump mounting bolts.

I'd lose sleep at night if I had a broken inner cover, but that's me. Technically, so long as the square ring hole for the tensioner tab is intact, it should be fine. The rest of it is mostly a dust cover, but if chunks could somehow break off, then you better replace it now while it is easy to do.

The cover keeps your timing belt and rollers mostly free from the environment so yes if your in there do it right and change it. That sounds correct that the pulley has to come off, just did my timing belt replacement so it is somewhat fresh in my aging memory!