"It was originally expected that the contract would end, but I was lucky due to the injury."

Sport Bild reported on the 26th (Korea time) that "Bayern Munich has received very heartbreaking news," stating that "According to our information, Bayern Munich will be without Alphonso Davies for six months due to a torn ligament injury."

During this international match period, Davies played in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals and the third-place match. In particular, during the early stages of the third-place match against the United States, he collapsed on the ground and was substituted out just 12 minutes into the first half. Sensing an issue with his knee, Davies exited the field immediately and underwent a thorough examination.

However, the examination revealed that the ligament was torn. It was an unexpected and shocking news. Bayern Munich's burden increased. They had received information that there would be no significant issues when Davies collapsed, but since the ligament was torn, it was a serious matter. A torn ligament requires at least six months of treatment and rehabilitation. Even if he returns, it will take more time to regain his normal game sense.

Bild noted, "He felt something, but at that moment, he probably didn't want to take any risks," adding, "However, it soon became clear that it was a serious injury. Christian Dresen, CEO of Munich, showed a reaction saying, 'I was informed that Davies was fine, but I don’t know what this is about.'"

Recently, in Germany, Hiroki Ito, who has been utilized as a left-back, is expected to fill Davies's position. They are also considering the option of using right-backs Raphael Guerreiro or Josip Stanišić as left-backs.

Since joining Bayern Munich in January 2019, Davies has played a total of 218 matches (12 goals - 34 assists) to date. During this time, he has lifted numerous trophies, including five Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal cups, one UEFA Champions League (UCL), and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Originally, it was suggested that Davies would leave as a free agent (FA) when his contract expires in June. However, he signed a re-contract earlier this month with a significant salary and bonus increase. Unless he chooses to transfer, he will continue his career at Bayern Munich until June 2030.

The problem is that there are additional absentees. Bild reported that "Center-back Dayot Upamecano has also suffered a knee injury during the international match period," stating, "Half of Bayern Munich's defenders have been injured while returning from the national team. Although it hasn't been exactly identified, Upamecano is expected to need several weeks of rehabilitation."

Furthermore, Upamecano's injury is more serious than expected. Bild emphasized, "Upamecano will not just be absent for a few weeks. He is likely out for the season," adding, "It's not simply a few weeks absence; the season is likely over. The minimum recovery period is three months."

Bild stated, "Unlike Davies, Upamecano may be out for a longer period. We will have to see exactly how long he will be out after the surgery," adding, "While the exact duration has not yet been announced, it is certain that he is out for the season."

Ultimately, Upamecano's injury is more serious news for Bayern. As Upamecano also falls out, expectations for Kim Min-jae have increased. After struggling with left Achilles tendon inflammation, Kim Min-jae has returned to training during this international match break.

Bayern announced on the 25th via their website that "they have begun training in preparation for the home game against St. Pauli," revealing the appearances of the participating players. They will face St. Pauli at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 29th in the 27th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga.

Amid the many players called up to their national teams for the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers, the training ground saw the gathering of players such as Thomas Müller, who announced his retirement from the German national team, and Kim Min-jae, who could not join the Korean national team due to injury, sweating profusely. Kim Min-jae's return to training, after missing the Korean national team's third and fourth qualifiers for the North American World Cup due to injury, will also be good news for fans.

As a result, Kim Min-jae missed the match against Union Berlin, and Coach Hong Myung-bo excluded him from the roster for the two international matches through communication with Bayern's management. However, with Kim Min-jae returning to his team's training ground, there are projections that he may make a comeback as early as the 29th in the match against St. Pauli.

Meanwhile, Eric Dier is likely to partner with Kim Min-jae. Germany's 'Sky Sports' reported that "Due to Upamecano's injury, Dier will pair with Kim Min-jae. He was preferred over Upamecano and Kim Min-jae under Coach Thomas Tuchel, but was excluded under Coach Vincent Kompany," adding, "Still, as a backup, he is the first choice, so he will likely get a starting opportunity for the time being."

The media noted, "Dier originally had no possibility of extension, but due to his consistent performance and recognition within the team, there is a chance for a contract extension. Coach Kompany also recognizes Dier's stability," adding, "The performances he shows with the national team and club are very stable."

[OSEN]