Bayern Munich has received devastating news. Left back Alphonso Davies (24), who was achieving Bayern's ironclad back four alongside Kim Min-jae, has been ruled out for the season.
German media outlet Bild reported on the 26th (Korea time) that "Davies suffered a serious injury with a torn knee ligament," noting that "a minimum absence of six months is inevitable, and a return for the rest of the season is virtually impossible."
Since joining Bayern in 2019, Davies has played 218 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 34 assists. He has been a key player during Bayern's golden period, winning the Bundesliga five times, the DFB-Pokal twice, the Champions League once, and the Club World Cup once.
Recently, he successfully re-signed with a lucrative salary and bonus guaranteed. Although his existing contract was set to expire this summer, Bayern recognized Davies' value and entered into a long-term contract extending to 2030.
However, a recent catastrophic setback occurred. He was injured in the third-place match of the North and Central America Nations League held at Sofi Stadium in the U.S. on the 24th. Davies was substituted early in the match due to knee pain.
Concerns were raised about the severity of the initial injury. Subsequent MRI tests confirmed a torn ligament. Prominent international media, including Bild and Fabrizio Romano, predict a minimum season-ending injury.
Bild expressed concern, stating, "It is impossible for Davies to return during the season. Even after surgery, it is expected to take a long time for recovery," adding that "there is a high likelihood he will be absent for more than six months."
Davies' absence is also a critical blow for Bayern. For Bayern, aiming for a league and UEFA Champions League 'double' this season, this represents a significant loss of strength.
In fact, Davies has been the team's undisputed left back, and his explosive overlapping play was a core component of Bayern's attack. Now, head coach Vincent Kompany will inevitably be busy searching for a replacement.
Hiroki Ito, a former member of the Japanese national team, is being mentioned as a strong candidate to fill the left defensive position. Depending on the situation, there are also considerations to utilize right back Raphael Guerreiro and Josip Stanisic by changing their positions.
However, due to Davies' injury, Bayern has created a void in their attack.
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