The problem is serious. If Kim Min-jae, who is overworked, collapses, Bayern Munich may find recovery difficult.
Bavarian Football Works reported on the 1st (Korea time) citing TZ's journalist Philipp Kessler about Kim Min-jae's condition.
Bavarian Football Works reported, "Kim Min-jae is still ailing" and noted that he has developed back pain. Philipp Kessler from TZ noted, "Kim Min-jae is suffering from Achilles tendinitis and recently has been experiencing cold symptoms, severe coughing, and back pain." He added, "He appeared in the match against St. Pauli under these conditions. Rest is necessary for recovery." This information has spread online through sources specialized in Bayern Munich, raising concerns among fans.
Kessler emphasized, "While Kim Min-jae's Achilles condition has improved slightly, it is still not fully healed, and he has also been straining his back due to coughing," highlighting that Kim Min-jae has not regained his condition while participating in matches.
Kim Min-jae has been suffering from Achilles tendinitis since October of last year, and recently, he has been facing cold symptoms along with coughing and even back pain, which has affected his condition. Nevertheless, he demonstrated dedication by playing the full time in a recent match against St. Pauli. In that match, Hiroki Ito suffered another metatarsal injury and was ruled out for the season.
In addition to Ito, Bayern Munich has already lost Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies. Davies is expected to miss at least 7 months after rupturing his knee ligament during a March international match, and Upamecano will require at least 3 months to recover from foreign matter in his knee joint. This period could be extended based on his post-surgery condition.
As a result, Bayern's defensive lineup has significantly weakened. Throughout the season, Kim Min-jae has played full time without any rest and has recorded the second-most playing time on the team after Joshua Kimmich.
TZ reported, "Currently, Kim Min-jae is the only center-back on the team who possesses both speed and build-up ability," describing him as "an indispensable figure in Coach Kompany's defensive strategy." At the same time, it warned, "If he continues to overextend himself, Kim Min-jae is at risk of a long-term absence."
Bayern Munich is set to face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on the 9th and 17th, with the ultimate season goal being to reach the final 'Finale Da Home' scheduled for May 31 at home in Munich. If Kim Min-jae also collapses, it would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the team's strength.
The media reported that Bayern may have to face world-class strikers, including Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Against such opponents, it would be difficult for Kompany to manage the game without Kim Min-jae.
In response, Coach Kompany is seeking alternatives. Rather than the relatively slower combination of Eric Dier and Jošip Stanišić, he is considering utilizing defensive midfielder João Palhinha in a more withdrawn position for defensive stability.
The decision regarding players' returns is largely made by Coach Vincent Kompany. It is reported that there are rarely cases where the medical team opposes. As more players are being fielded without fully recovering, concerns about the club's injury management system are growing.
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