Kim Min-jae targets early April return to aid Bayern's UCL quarter-finals against Inter

Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), who collapsed due to injury, is expected to return by early April at the latest.

Germany's 'TZ' reported on the 17th (Korea time) that "some Bayern players can expect a longer break than usual instead of always being at the training ground during the A Match period. Coach Vincent Kompany gave the players not called up to the national team an eight-day break. However, Manuel Neuer and Kim Min-jae will not be able to enjoy their leisure time."

Both need to recover quickly from their injuries. Goalkeeper Neuer was substituted after injuring his calf on the 6th during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen. The reason was somewhat absurd; he reportedly ruptured a muscle while rushing to celebrate a teammate's goal.

The media explained that "Bayern captain Neuer is focusing on intensive training to return after the calf muscle rupture. He has now started running training and aims to return for the match against St. Pauli on the 29th. This will allow Neuer to participate in the first leg of the UCL quarterfinal against Inter Milan and the Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund."

This is welcome news for Bayern. Currently, 2003-born Jonas Urbig is guarding the goal in place of Neuer, but he has shown disappointing performances due to lack of experience. He was also responsible for conceding a goal due to a punching error during the recent match against Union Berlin, resulting in a 1-1 draw. If Neuer returns right after the A Match break, it could be a huge help.

However, Kim Min-jae is expected to need a bit more time. He recently collapsed due to an Achilles tendon injury. Coach Kompany stated that "Kim Min-jae is currently dealing with an injury" and "I hope it is not too serious, but it looks like he will be absent for several weeks."

This is the aftermath of running too much. Kim Min-jae has complained of Achilles tendon pain since October last year but has hardly rested. In fact, only Joshua Kimmich (3,477 minutes) has logged more playing time than Kim Min-jae (3,175 minutes) this season, having played in 37 matches.

Eventually, it all went wrong. Kim Min-jae missed the match against Union Berlin due to injury and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Coach Kompany emphasized that "it is already known that there is a problem with (Kim Min-jae's) Achilles tendon," stating, "We need to manage it so that the burden does not fall solely on him." Naturally, Kim Min-jae's call-up to the national team also fell through.

This led coach Hong Myung-bo to make a frank statement. He noted that "It is a bit disappointing that Bayern Munich should have taken preventive measures to protect the player. There have been continuous signals regarding Kim Min-jae's injury risk. The national team was sufficiently aware of the (injury risk)."

Now, Kim Min-jae is expected to return around the second week of April. TZ reported that "Kim Min-jae may have to wait a bit longer than Neuer. He has been struggling with Achilles tendon issues for a while and will continue to rest even after the A Match break. Coach Kompany recently emphasized that he should not be given 'excessive burden.'"

Fortunately, it seems that Kim Min-jae will be able to step onto the most important stage in the UCL quarterfinals against Inter Milan. The media explained that "however, Kim Min-jae is expected to return no later than between the important matches against Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund. This means he could come back at just the right time to stabilize Bayern's defense in the crucial moments of the season."

TZ stated that "Bayern is likely to face a tough few weeks ahead. After facing St. Pauli on March 29, they will play an away match against Augsburg on April 4. The matches against Inter in the UCL, Dortmund in the 'Der Klassiker,' and the second leg against Inter are all scheduled within just eight days. They need all healthy players at this stage," adding that "therefore, Kompany's measures could be a wise move."

Meanwhile, coach Hong Myung-bo's comments regarding Kim Min-jae's injury are drawing attention in Germany as well. 'Sky Sports Germany' reported that "Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the Korean national team, criticized Bayern for the defender Kim Min-jae's absence. According to him, Kim Min-jae's injury could have been prevented."

The media noted that "Kim Min-jae is expected to be forced to rest for the next few weeks. Therefore, he will not be able to participate in the World Cup qualifying matches against Oman and Jordan. Coach Hong Myung-bo seems to be angry about this, stating that "Korea now aims to qualify for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup without star defender Kim Min-jae. Winning both home matches would ensure a perfect qualification."

'Bavarian Football' sympathized with coach Hong Myung-bo's criticism. The media stated that "Korea's Hong Myung-bo criticized how Bayern handled Kim Min-jae's Achilles tendonitis," noting that "this appears to be a sharp critique of Coach Kompany's situation management, which is a valid point. There were ample opportunities to rest Kim Min-jae."

Furthermore, Bavarian Football pointed out that "however, Kompany has used Kim Min-jae and his center-back partner Dayot Upamecano to the point of exhaustion this season. There are rumors that Kim Min-jae has shown genuine will and eagerness to start in every match. But ultimately, a more cautious approach by Kompany and Kim Min-jae may have prevented the injury situation from reaching this level."

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