Bayern Munich, aiming for victory, faced a crisis. The defenders sustained multiple injuries. Ultimately, Kim Min-jae must hold up well as the substitute is Hiroki Ito.

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

In particular, Davis collapsed early in the match against the United States, being substituted out only 12 minutes into the first half.

Davis, feeling an issue with his knee, quickly left the field and underwent a detailed examination.

However, the examination revealed a torn ligament, a shocking story. The burden on Bayern Munich increased.

Bayern Munich had received information that there would be no major problems when Davis collapsed, but this was because of the torn ligament.

Bild said, "He felt something, but at that moment, it seems he did not want to take any risks," and added, "However, it soon became clear that it was a serious injury. Christian Dresen, CEO of Munich, reacted by saying, 'I was informed that Davis is fine, but I don’t know what’s going on.'"

A torn ligament requires at least six months of treatment and rehabilitation. Even if he returns, it will take more time to regain normal game sense.

In Germany, Hiroki Ito, who has recently been used as a left back, is expected to fill Davis's absence.

There are also plans to switch the right backs, Rafael Guerreiro and Josip Stanisic, to play as left backs. In January 2019, Davis donned the Bayern Munich uniform and has since played a total of 218 matches (12 goals - 34 assists). During this time, he lifted many trophies, including the Bundesliga five times, DFB-Pokal two times, UEFA Champions League (UCL) once, and FIFA Club World Cup once. Initially, with his contract expiring in June, there were speculations that he might leave as a free agent, but earlier this month, he signed a renewal contract with a significant salary and bonus increase. Unless he chooses to transfer, he will continue his career with Bayern Munich until June 2030.

The injury to Upamecano is even more serious news for Bayern Munich. The extent of the injury is not yet clear, but news has emerged that he will need to undergo rehabilitation for several weeks.

For now, Kim Min-jae must hold up well. After struggling with left Achilles tendon inflammation, Kim Min-jae returned to training after the recent A-match break.

Bayern Munich announced on the 25th through their website that they have begun training in preparation for the home game against St. Pauli, sharing the looks of the participating players. Bayern Munich will face St. Pauli at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 29th, Korea time, in the 27th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season. Amid many players being called up to their national teams for the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers, players such as Thomas Müller, who declared retirement from the German national team, and Kim Min-jae, who could not join the Korean national team due to injury, gathered and worked hard in training. Kim Min-jae's return to training, after missing the Asian third round qualifiers for the North American World Cup due to injury, is good news for fans.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany mentioned Kim Min-jae's Achilles tendon injury during a press conference ahead of the away match against Union Berlin held on the 15th, saying, "He will miss the next few weeks. Managing his playing time is important." Ultimately, Kim Min-jae missed the match against Union Berlin, and Coach Hong Myung-bo communicated with Bayern Munich and excluded Kim Min-jae from the roster for the two A-match games. In this context, with Kim Min-jae returning to his team training ground, there is a prospect that he could return as early as the 29th against St. Pauli.

In any case, Hiroki Ito is expected to be Kim Min-jae's partner.

Japanese media have not held back their praises for Ito, who has recovered from his injury, calling it a "graceful return." Abema Times noted, "Ito, the Japanese national team player, showed beautiful defense with explosive speed while sprinting 50m," and praised him highly. They described Ito’s approximately 20-minute appearance as "beautiful play." Of course, Japanese media have indicated high hopes, suggesting that "compared to Kim Min-jae and Upamecano, Ito's speed is exceptional. When he returns, he can perfectly replace Kim Min-jae." As Kim Min-jae’s Achilles tendon worsened ahead of what could be the most important two months for Bayern Munich, he communicated with national team coach Hong Myung-bo, deciding to skip the matches against Oman and Jordan this month.

[OSEN]