Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) demonstrated commitment to the team by playing full time despite not being in optimal condition. Coach Vincent Kompany (38) is contemplating whether to continue using Kim Min-jae.
German media 'TZ' reported on the 1st (Korea time) that "Coach Kompany is struggling with injury issues in his defensive line. Kim Min-jae is also not in full condition but continues to participate. This is a high-risk situation."
Kim Min-jae was excluded from the South Korean national team call-up in March due to Achilles tendon pain. He took a break to recover from the injury, but still experiences persistent pain. 'TZ' noted that "according to internal information, Kim Min-jae's Achilles tendon condition has improved, but he is far from being fully healed. Nevertheless, he is in a position where he must continue to play until the end of the season."
Coach Kompany is forced to rely on Kim Min-jae due to a shortage of defensive resources. Alphonso Davies will be sidelined for about seven months due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee. Dayot Upamecano will inevitably miss several weeks due to a left knee joint injury. Additionally, Hiroki Ito is out with an injury.
Amid the numerous injuries, Kim Min-jae played full time as a center-back alongside Eric Dier in the Bundesliga match against St. Pauli on the 29th of last month (3-2 victory). At that time, he was not in good condition, suffering from a severe cold accompanied by coughing and back pain.
'TZ' reported, "Kim Min-jae was suffering from a severe cold with coughing during the St. Pauli match. However, there were no other players to position alongside Dier, so Coach Kompany was forced to proceed with Kim Min-jae's participation."
It added, "Kim Min-jae needs rest immediately. However, Kompany is in a dilemma regarding whether to use Kim Min-jae."
To avoid the controversy surrounding the overexertion of Kim Min-jae, Coach Kompany is also considering changes to the defensive lineup. 'TZ' stated, "Kompany is deliberating with his coaching staff on whether to use the slow-footed Eric Dier and Josip Stanišić or to risk injury by fielding Kim Min-jae. If Kim Min-jae were to collapse as well, it could result in the worst-case scenario in the Champions League."
Bayern Munich is aiming for its 34th Bundesliga title this season, as well as competing for the European tournament trophy. They will face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on the 8th and 16th.
'TZ' predicted that "to reduce the defensive burden, Coach Kompany may place the highly motivated defensive midfielder João Palhinha in front of the defensive line."
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