Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) has returned to the team after the international match break. After overcoming Achilles tendon pain, he is highly likely to participate in the match immediately.

Kicker reported on the 25th (Korean time) that "Kim Min-jae, who suffered from Achilles tendon issues and could not participate in the South Korean national team's matches, has improved his condition compared to what was initially expected."

On the 25th, Bayern Munich released photos of a closed training session for the first team during the international match break via their official website. Coach Vincent Kompany was seen leading the training with players who were not called up to their national teams.

Kim Min-jae's face was also noticeable. He trained with his Bayern teammates Eric Dier, Jonas Urbig, and Serge Gnabry. It appears he participated in a mini-game, divided into two teams while wearing a vest.

This is the first official training after collapsing due to an Achilles tendon injury. Kim Min-jae missed the match against Union Berlin on the 15th due to Achilles tendon issues. At the time, Coach Kompany emphasized that "it is already known that (Kim Min-jae) has issues with his Achilles tendon, so we need to manage it so that the burden does not fall solely on him."

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

Ultimately, the situation exploded. Kim Min-jae collapsed due to injury and could not be called up to the South Korean national team. Instead of boarding a flight to Korea, he stayed in Germany to focus on rehabilitation. The Korea Football Association selected Kim Joo-sung (FC Seoul) as a replacement.

This led Coach Hong Myung-bo to make a determined statement. He said, "One of the disappointing points is that Bayern Munich should have taken preventive measures to protect the player. There were continuously signals about Kim Min-jae's injury risk. The national team was fully aware of the (injury risk)."

Coach Hong Myung-bo's comments have also drawn attention in Germany.

Sky Sports Germany reported that "Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the South Korean national team, criticized Bayern for the absence of defender Kim Min-jae. According to him, Kim Min-jae's injury could have been prevented."

'Bavarian Football' sympathized with Coach Hong Myung-bo's criticism. The media contended that "this seems to be a severe critique regarding Coach Kompany's handling of the situation. It is a valid point. There were ample opportunities to allow Kim Min-jae to rest." It added that "however, Kompany has overused Kim Min-jae and his center-back partner Dayot Upamecano to the point of depletion. A more careful approach from Kompany and Kim Min-jae might have prevented the injury situation from escalating to this point."

It was expected that Kim Min-jae would return around mid-April. TZ reported that "Kim Min-jae might need to wait a bit longer than Manuel Neuer. He has been struggling with Achilles tendon issues for some time and will continue to take a break even after the international match break. Coach Kompany recently emphasized that he should not be given 'excessive burden.'"

Fortunately, it seems Kim Min-jae will be able to participate in the most crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Inter Milan.

TZ stated, "However, Kim Min-jae is expected to return at the latest between the important matches against Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund. This means he could return just in time to stabilize Bayern's defense during the season's intense period."

TZ noted, "Bayern is likely to face tough weeks ahead. They will play against St. Pauli on March 29 and then have an away match against Augsburg on April 4. In just eight days, they are scheduled to play against Inter in the UEFA Champions League, then Borussia Dortmund in 'Der Klassiker,' and a second leg against Inter. Every healthy player is needed at this stage," adding that "therefore, Kompany's actions could be a wise move."

Meanwhile, South Korea, without Kim Min-jae, recorded a 1-1 draw against Jordan in the 8th match of Group B of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 25th.

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