Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) is also in danger. Bayern Munich's defenders are suffering from more serious injuries due to Coach Vincent Kompany's overwork and issues with the medical staff.

German media 'TZ' reported on the 30th (Korean time) that "the newly established medical staff at Bayern this season is being publicly criticized for returning injured players too early to training, increasing the risk of further injuries."

Bayern announced the same day via the club's website that "Ito has suffered a metatarsal fracture. Medical examinations confirmed that he has re-injured his right metatarsal. Ito was injured during the match against St. Pauli, which Bayern won 3-2 yesterday. He came on in the 58th minute but had to leave the pitch in the 89th minute and will now be out for an extended period."

Bayern crushed St. Pauli 3-2 in the 27th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga held at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 29th. With this win, Bayern maintained its position at the top with 65 points, still six points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen (59 points).

However, the painful blow of Ito's injury has occurred. Director General Max Eberl noted, "Ito has suffered another serious injury. This is a major shock for all of us. He had only just returned to play after months of rehabilitation, and now he is set to be out for a long time again. I can’t imagine how Ito feels. He is a fighter, and we expect him to return to the pitch. Keep your head up, Ito. We are on your side."

Ito has completely become injury-prone. As a Japanese national team defender, he joined Bayern last summer after leaving VfB Stuttgart. His transfer fee is said to be €30 million (about 47.7 billion won), including options. The contract lasts until the summer of 2028.

Ito was expected to be a great multi-resource player at Bayern. He can play as a left-back, center-back, and sometimes even as a defensive midfielder. Although Ito is 188 cm tall, he is also a decent sprinter with a top speed reaching 34 km/h. Most importantly, his ability to build up play and handle the ball with his left foot is his greatest strength.

There were high expectations in Japan that Ito could win the competition for a starting spot with Kim Min-jae. However, the reality was different. He collapsed with a metatarsal fracture during a preseason game last July and had to undergo surgery. In fact, in November, while preparing to return, he faced further issues, requiring a second surgery.

Ito finally made his Bayern debut in February, seven months after his injury, in a match against Celtic. He was increasing his playing time by alternating between substitute appearances and starting roles. However, once again, he injured the same area, resulting in a prolonged absence. Ito also seemed to realize the seriousness of the injury, as he was seen leaving the field with his shirt pulled over his head and covering his face with both hands.

The bigger problem is that Bayern has already lost left-back Alphonso Davies and center-back Dayot Upamecano. Davies will need rehabilitation for over six months due to a torn ligament suffered with the Canadian national team, while Upamecano is also expected to be sidelined for more than three months due to a knee injury.

This has raised doubts about Bayern's medical staff, with concerns that misjudgments are exacerbating the players' injury issues.

TZ reported, "Ito resumed running two months after injuring his metatarsal during preseason. However, he experienced frustration in early October and had to undergo surgery again, clearly indicating that the training intensity had increased too quickly and too much. Particularly, it was known that Ito had been struggling with a metatarsal fracture even before his transfer to Bayern."

The media also noted, "Captain Manuel Neuer experienced a similar setback. He resumed goalkeeper training just two weeks after suffering a calf muscle rupture, only to face immediate rehab complications due to a negative response in the muscle. Yosif Stanisic also took an unusually long time to return after suffering a lateral ligament tear."

Kim Min-jae is no exception. TZ reports, "What about Upamecano and recently long-term injured Davies? Davies' torn ligament occurred due to a collision with an opposing player. However, Upamecano's knee injury is said to be the result of excessive playtime throughout the season. He has consistently dealt with hip and back problems, but he gritted his teeth for Coach Kompany."

Kim Min-jae has also faced issues. He has been complaining about Achilles tendon pain since October of last year but has scarcely rested. Instead, he has played the second-most minutes on the team behind Joshua Kimmich and has been overworked. Ultimately, he has been absent due to a recent injury, but he made a starting return in just about two weeks, raising concerns.

TZ stated, "Kim Min-jae has been suffering from painful Achilles tendon issues for weeks. However, he has never had a break." It added, "According to sources, Bayern's medical staff usually leaves the decision about players' availability to Coach Kompany, and it is said that there are very few cases where his decisions are refused."

If the report is true, then Kompany's excessive use of players and the negligence of Bayern's medical staff have caused devastation in the defense. At this rate, it would not be surprising if Kim Min-jae collapses at any moment. Previously, 'Bavarian Football' criticized that "Kompany has used Kim Min-jae and his partner Upamecano to the point of exhaustion."

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (No unauthorized reproduction or redistribution), TZ, Bayern Munich social media.

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