Kim Min-jae resumes training earlier than expected to aid Bayern's defense

There is no time to catch a breath. Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), who was expected to rest for 4 weeks, is preparing for a return to the starting lineup.

Bayern will face St. Pauli in a home match for the 27th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 29th (Korean time).

Currently, Bayern is leading the league with 62 points, 6 points ahead of second-place Bayer Leverkusen (56 points). They are still in a favorable position, but with 8 matches remaining, caution is essential.

The problem is that the impact of the March international matches has been tremendous. Left back Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano have been ruled out for the season. Bayern has lost half of its starting four defenders in the blink of an eye.

Max Eberl, Bayern's director, noted, "Unfortunately, there is always a risk that players will return from the international break injured. This time, it's a significant blow. The absence of Davies and Dayot Upamecano is a heavy burden for Bayern," he sighed.

Kim Min-jae's physical condition is also not perfect. He has been feeling Achilles tendon pain since October of last year and has been absent since the match against Union Berlin on the 15th. At that time, manager Vincent Kompany said, "It's already known that there is an issue with (Kim Min-jae's) Achilles tendon, and now we need to manage it so the burden does not become overwhelming."

Kim Min-jae was unable to join the national team led by coach Hong Myung-bo during the March international matches. Although he was initially named to the squad, he was later dropped due to injury issues. Instead of boarding a flight to Korea, he stayed in Germany to focus on rehabilitation.

This led coach Hong Myung-bo to make a pointed remark. He suggested, "It's a bit disappointing that Bayern Munich didn't take preventive measures to protect the player. There have been signals about Kim Min-jae's injury risk for a while now."

"Bavarian football" also empathized with coach Hong Myung-bo's criticism. The outlet stated, "This seems to be a sharp critique of Kompany. It's a valid point. There were plenty of opportunities to rest Kim Min-jae, but Kompany has worn him and Upamecano down this season. If Kompany had approached this more cautiously with Kim Min-jae, it might not have escalated to this extent."

However, Kim Min-jae returned to the training ground much faster than expected. He was spotted participating in team training since Monday, engaging in not just recovery exercises but also in mini-games.

In fact, Kim Min-jae's return was anticipated around the second week of April. Earlier, 'TZ' reported, "Kim Min-jae may have to wait a bit longer than Manuel Neuer. He has been struggling with Achilles tendon issues and will need to continue resting after the international break. Coach Kompany has emphasized that he should not be given 'excessive burdens' at this time."

However, with Bayern's defense devastated, Kim Min-jae will need to hurry back. He is likely to start against St. Pauli right away. Bild suggested, "Kompany will hope to have both Dyer and Kim Min-jae back on the field as soon as possible. The positive news is that Kim Min-jae returned to team training earlier than expected on Monday. He is said to be ready for the upcoming match."

Additionally, 'Sky Sports Germany,' TZ, and others have included Kim Min-jae in their expected best XI. Eric Dyer is likely to be his partner, with Hiroki Ito responsible for left back and Konrad Laimer taking on the right defense.

After the match, Davies was also seen walking alone, but further examination revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The rehabilitation period is expected to be as long as 6 months.

Bayern explained, "Davies was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after returning from the Canadian national team. He is scheduled to undergo surgery today and will not be seen for several months."

Upamecano's knee injury is also more severe than initially thought. Bild reported, "Unless a miracle happens, Upamecano is certain to be ruled out for the season. With his current condition, he will need a minimum of 3 months to recover," adding, "He could be out even longer. Upamecano will also need to have surgery. Once the surgery is complete, we can determine exactly how long he will be sidelined."

Ultimately, Kim Min-jae will have to shoulder the responsibility of Bayern's central defense alongside Dyer. Ito and Josip Stanišić can also play as center backs, but they are primarily side defenders. Leon Goretzka has occasionally played central defense, but as his primary position is midfielder, his stability may suffer.

Unfortunately, Kim Min-jae finds himself in a situation where he has to push through without properly recovering from his injury. With the competition for the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals looming, there is no time to rest.

Despite the difficult situation, Bayern and coach Kompany must manage Kim Min-jae's condition carefully. It is not an exaggeration to say that Bayern's success this year depends on Kim Min-jae's condition.

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