Injuries threaten Kim Min-jae and Kane’s trophy pursuit at Bayern Munich

The challenge for Kim Min-jae (29) and Harry Kane (32) to win two trophies has been jeopardized. This is due to 'ace' Jamal Musiala (22, Bayern Munich) suffering an injury, which has halved the team's strength.

Bayern announced on the 5th (Korea Standard Time) through the club's official channel that 'Musiala's left hamstring muscle has torn. He will find it difficult to play for the time being.'

Musiala collapsed during the 28th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga match against Augsburg, held at the WWK Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on this day.

In the 6th minute of the second half, while pressuring the opposing goalkeeper, Musiala suddenly sat down on the ground. He grabbed his thigh and cried out in pain. Unable to stand up on his own, he was eventually substituted with the assistance of medical staff. Thomas Müller took his place.

Bayern secured a 3-1 comeback victory, bringing their points to 68. They maintained a gap with second-placed Bayer Leverkusen (62 points), but the mood was subdued after the match due to Musiala's long-term absence.

German media 'Sky Sports' reported, 'Musiala's hamstring muscle is torn and ligaments are damaged. Recovery is expected to take about 8 weeks. He will be unable to play in the Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan on the 9th.' Effectively, he has been ruled out for the season.

Bayern will conclude their season after their last league match against Hoffenheim on May 17. It seems Musiala will not participate in the remaining schedule. If the team does not reach the Champions League final, his participation this season will effectively be over.

Musiala's absence is a significant loss for Bayern. He is a key player in the team's attack, coordinating well with Kane. He has recorded 18 goals and 8 assists in 40 competitive matches this season, leading Bayern's creative attack, beyond just attacking points.

Musiala is not the only absentee. Defender Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano also received season-ending diagnoses after the March international matches. Hiroki Ito recently re-injured his metatarsal in a match against St. Pauli, ending his season early.

With cracks appearing in defense following the attack, the physical condition of Kim Min-jae and Kane is also not perfect.

Kim Min-jae has not recovered from Achilles tendon pain. Kane twisted his ankle during the match against Augsburg. He said, 'My ankle is swollen. I am familiar with this injury as I’ve experienced it often.'

The series of absences of key resources is a setback for Bayern's double challenge. Bayern is currently at the top of the league, but there are still 6 matches remaining. If both Kim Min-jae and Kane are out, maintaining the top position cannot be guaranteed. This could impact not only the Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan but also subsequent schedules.

This means Kane's chances of winning are decreasing. He has recorded 33 goals and 10 assists in 39 matches this season. He has yet to experience his first career victory. He transferred from Tottenham to Bayern to reach the top, but the team finished last season without any titles.

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