Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) played the full match for his team despite struggling with a severe cold. Coach Vincent Kompany (38) is contemplating whether it is safe to use Kim Min-jae under such circumstances. There are also claims doubting the abilities of Bayern's medical staff.

German media 'TZ' reported on the 1st (KST) that "Coach Kompany is struggling with serious injury issues in the Munich defense. And he has fallen into the 'Kim Min-jae dilemma,'" adding that "Kim Min-jae is also not in perfect condition but is still playing. It is a risky situation."

Moreover, "Kim Min-jae must continue to participate in matches. Despite suffering from Achilles pain, he has no time to rest until the end of the season. Coach Kompany has no choice but to rely on Kim Min-jae's participation due to the lack of defensive resources caused by injuries," he added.

Bayern is preparing for its 34th Bundesliga title this season and its Champions League quarterfinal matches against Inter Milan on the 8th and 16th. The club's defensive situation is serious ahead of these crucial matches. Left back Alphonso Davies is expected to be sidelined for about seven months due to a torn right knee ligament, and center back Dayot Upamecano is likely to be unavailable for weeks due to joint issues in his left knee. Additionally, Hiroki Ito has also suffered an injury.

Kim Min-jae, who was unable to participate in the national team due to an Achilles injury during the March A match, can play now, but his current condition is not 100%.

However, since fellow defenders have completely withdrawn due to injuries, he has become someone who has to play in almost all remaining matches for Bayern.

'TZ' noted that "According to internal sources, Kim Min-jae's Achilles condition has somewhat improved, but he is still far from complete recovery," adding that "still, Kim Min-jae must continue to participate in matches. Despite ongoing pain, he has no time to rest until the end of the season. For Coach Kompany, it is an unavoidable choice."

Kim Min-jae played the full match, forming a center-back partnership with Eric Dier, in the Bundesliga clash against St. Pauli on the 29th of last month (3-2 win), bringing a smile to the expression of Coach Kompany, who looked gloomy amidst the 'injury ward.'

Apparently, Kim Min-jae's condition during the St. Pauli match was quite poor. 'TZ' reported that "At that time, Kim Min-jae was suffering from a severe cough along with a sore throat and had also complained about back pain." However, without Kim Min-jae, there was no one to partner with Dier as center-back, and Coach Kompany had no choice but to push for Kim Min-jae's participation. Despite the 'overwork,' Kim Min-jae played the entire match.

'TZ' stated that "Kim Min-jae urgently needs a break right now," explaining that "Kompany and his coaching staff are in a dilemma. Should they insert the slower Eric Dier and Josip Stanisic, or use Kim Min-jae forcefully? If Kim Min-jae has to be sidelined for an extended period, especially in the Champions League, it would be the worst-case scenario."

He also projected that "To alleviate the defensive burden, Kompany might utilize the aggressive defensive midfielder João Palhinha in the next match." For now, Kim Min-jae was excluded from team training on the 1st.

The previous day (March 31), 'TZ' suggested that the lack of ability in Bayern's medical staff has led to the club's 'injury ward' situation.

The media explained that "Bayern's medical staff returned injured players too quickly, causing issues. Ito started running training just two months after his first fracture, but collapsed again and eventually required a second surgery."

'TZ' also noted that "Another Bayern defender, Upamecano, has continued to play despite knee and hip pain. While Davies' injury was the result of a collision with an opponent, Upamecano has been under accumulated overload throughout the season," raising suspicions about whether Bayern's medical staff has properly cared for the players' injuries.

Kim Min-jae is no exception. He has been complaining of Achilles pain since October of last year but has scarcely been able to take a break. Instead, he recorded the second most playing time in the team after Joshua Kimmich. Although he recently missed some time due to an ankle injury, he hurriedly returned to the starting lineup after about two weeks.

'TZ' remarked that "Bayern's medical staff leaves the decision on player participation to Coach Kompany. There are seldom instances of refusal against the coach's judgment," indicating that the schedule and the coach's judgment take precedence over the players' conditions.

Considering the cases of Ito and Upamecano, there are concerns that Kim Min-jae could also fall into a serious injury slump if things continue as they are.

Bayern must reassess its structure of excessive participation, hasty returns, and evasion of responsibility. Otherwise, Kim Min-jae could also become the next victim.

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