Ultimately, Kim Min-jae is the last bastion. Dayot Upamecano (currently of Bayern Munich) is also at risk of being sidelined for the season.
Bild reported on the 28th (Korean time) that "Upamecano's knee injury is more serious than expected. New test results revealed cartilage damage," stating that "he is expected to be out for at least three months. If there is no miraculous recovery, Upamecano's season is already over. He has moved for surgery, and the exact rehabilitation period is expected to be announced later."
Bayern Munich will face St. Pauli in the Bundesliga on the 29th. Upamecano collapsed with a knee injury during the international match period. Initially, it was thought he would need about three weeks for recovery, but after conducting detailed tests, shocking news emerged. With the cartilage damage, Upamecano will not be able to step on the grass for at least three months. With less than two months remaining in the season, it is virtually a season-ending diagnosis.
This season, Upamecano has appeared in a total of 33 matches, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. The speedy Upamecano is responsible for the central defense of Bayern Munich alongside Kim Min-jae.
Bayern Munich is already facing difficulties in their central defensive setup.
Sport Bild reported on the 26th that "Bayern Munich has received very heartbreaking news," noting that "according to our information, Bayern Munich will be playing without Davis for six months due to a torn ligament injury." Additionally, Bild mentioned, "It has been revealed that center back Dayot Upamecano also sustained a knee injury during the international match period," stating that "half of the Bayern Munich defenders got injured while returning from the national team. Upamecano's exact injury is not yet clear, but he is expected to require rehabilitation for several weeks." Davis participated in the North, Central America and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Nations Cup semifinals and the 3rd and 4th place match during this international window. In particular, he collapsed early in the game against the U.S. in the 3rd and 4th place match and was substituted out just 12 minutes into the first half. After feeling discomfort in his knee, Davis quickly left the field and underwent detailed examinations. However, the diagnosis revealed a torn ligament. This was a bolt from the blue for Bayern Munich. When Davis collapsed, they received information that there was nothing serious, but it turned out to be a torn ligament.
Bild noted, "He felt something, but at that moment, he didn't want to take any risks," adding, "However, it soon became apparent that it was a serious injury. Christian Dreesen, CEO of Munich, reacted by stating, 'I was informed that Davis was fine, but I don't understand what happened.'" A torn ligament requires at least six months of treatment and rehabilitation. Even if he returns, it will take additional time to regain normal playing form. Locally in Germany, Hiroki Ito, who has recently been utilized as a left-back, is expected to fill the void left by Davis. They are also considering shifting right-back Raphael Guerreiro or Josip Stanišić to left-back. Davis, who has donned Bayern Munich's jersey since January 2019, has played a total of 218 matches (12 goals and 34 assists) to date. During this time, he has lifted numerous trophies, including five Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal cups, one UEFA Champions League title, and one FIFA Club World Cup. Originally, there were speculations that Davis could leave as a free agent (FA) when his contract expired in June. However, he re-signed earlier this month with a significant increase in salary and bonuses. Unless he chooses to transfer, he will continue his career at Bayern Munich until June 2030.
With both Davis and Upamecano sidelined for the season, Kim Min-jae will need to play even more. Having appeared in 37 matches this season, Kim Min-jae, who is a key player in Bayern Munich's defense, even requested to be excluded from the match, saying he wasn't feeling well.
Kim Min-jae has suffered from an Achilles injury for a long time. Since his condition worsened this month, he was called up for the March international matches but decided to rest with his club. He appeared at the training ground ahead of the league match against St. Pauli on the 27th, signaling his return.
The Japan Times reported, "The savior of Bayern Munich, missing two central defenders, will be Ito," stating that "Ito's importance will clearly be highlighted. Bundesliga sites predict that Ito and Eric Dier will play as central defenders against St. Pauli."
According to The Japan Times, Kim Min-jae will be excluded. It is anticipated that Ito, the hope of Japanese football, will take Kim Min-jae's place as a central defender.
Ultimately, Kim Min-jae will have to play non-stop again. While Eric Dier and Hiroki Ito are alternative candidates, there is unavoidable anxiety. Ultimately, Kim Min-jae must play.
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