Kim Min-jae (28, Bayern Munich) returned to team training officially ten days after announcing his injury.
Munich released training photos on the 25th (Korean time) through its official channel.
Coach Vincent Kompany conducted training with players excluding those selected for the A-match. Kim Min-jae participated in training with Thomas Müller, Serge Gnabry, and Raphael Guerreiro. This is the first training for the home match against St. Pauli for the 2024-2025 season Bundesliga Round 27.
Kim Min-jae appears to have trained with a bright expression, mingling with his teammates.
Kim Min-jae provided the news of an earlier return than initially expected. Earlier on the 14th, Coach Kompany noted during a pre-match press conference against Union Berlin that "Kim Min-jae is expected to miss a few weeks," leading to multiple analyses predicting at least a three-week absence.
Ahead of the A-match, the Korea Football Association (KFA) ultimately announced the following day (15th), "Kim Min-jae was diagnosed with left Achilles tendonitis and was released from the national team in accordance with the decision that he needs recovery."
Hong Myung-bo, the national team coach, included Kim Min-jae in the squad for the two consecutive qualifying matches for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup against Oman (20th) and Jordan (25th), but he was replaced by Kim Joo-sung (Seoul) due to injury.
There was also some controversy regarding Kim Min-jae's injury situation. Coach Hong Myung-bo said at the national team call-up press conference, "Kim Min-jae is an important player for both the national team and Bayern Munich. However, Bayern did not take player protection measures in advance," adding, "There were signs of injury since last year. I was hesitant about whether to use him, but I boldly gave him rest for player protection." While conveying his words, the German football magazine 'Kicker' reported that "Coach Hong Myung-bo criticized Bayern," triggering a debate.
The Korean national team recorded a 1-1 draw against Oman on the 20th, known as the 'Kim Min-jae absence' match.
Regardless, Kim Min-jae's return is welcome news. It's a boon for Munich.
Munich currently maintains first place with 62 points from 26 league matches, but has gone without a win in the last two matches without Kim Min-jae. They are being closely chased by second-placed Bayer Leverkusen (56 points). For Munich, aiming to regain the title after two years, Kim Min-jae's presence is crucial.
Moreover, Munich is in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. They will compete against Inter Milan both home and away on the 9th and 17th of next month for a place in the semifinals. Kim Min-jae is also needed to dominate the European stage.
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