The controversy over Kim Min-jae's (Bayern Munich) physical condition is becoming increasingly complex. There is still a discrepancy between the club and German local media regarding his return date.
The German football specialty magazine Kicker reported on the 14th (Korean time) that "Kim Min-jae is expected to be able to return to matches at least in July."
Kicker stated that "Kim Min-jae, who is undergoing rehabilitation for an Achilles injury, has an uncertain participation in the Club World Cup. Currently, he is focused on his recovery process."
Bayern Munich recently embarked on a trip to participate in the Club World Cup taking place in the United States. Kim Min-jae also joined this schedule, but his chances of actually playing remain uncertain. This is due to the lingering effects of injuries that persisted until the end of the season.
In response, the club's leadership expressed a more optimistic stance. Director General Max Eberl noted in a recent interview that "it is true that Kim Min-jae felt pain in his Achilles, but the club has always thoroughly managed his physical condition. There has never been a threat to the player's health." He further stated that "he wanted to rest, and he will resume training soon to rejoin the team training." He also predicted, "When Kim Min-jae joins, along with Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Stanisic, and Ito, competition in the defense will become even fiercer."
However, the view of German local media is somewhat different. Bild reported that "Kim Min-jae is currently receiving treatment from trusted medical professionals in Korea and has been diagnosed with needing rest until at least July 15," followed by analyses that the possibilities of participating in the Club World Cup and preseason remain uncertain.
Kim Min-jae's injury issues have persisted for a long time. German media reported that after the match against Frankfurt in October last year, Kim Min-jae has been playing with an Achilles injury. His condition did not significantly improve during the winter break, and the insistence on playing continued into the latter half of the season.
In particular, amid a chain of injuries in the defense at the end of the season, Kim Min-jae essentially held the defensive line alone. After Upamecano and Hiroki Ito were ruled out for the season, Kim Min-jae played nearly every game for the full 90 minutes. He participated in a total of 43 matches and logged 3,593 minutes on the field, almost pushing himself to exhaustion, and is currently focusing on rehabilitation with the goal of complete recovery.
Amid ongoing discussions about overexertion and injuries, the issue of Kim Min-jae's future has resurfaced. The British media outlet TeamTalk reported that "Manchester United is seriously considering the acquisition of Kim Min-jae, including a permanent transfer."
Christian Falk of Bild also stated that "Kim Min-jae's future is currently uncertain. While there have been no specific negotiations between the player’s side and Bayern, interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations continues, and some Premier League clubs are also weighing the possibility of signing him."
As discussions about overexertion, injuries, and transfer rumors intersect, Kim Min-jae once again finds himself at a crucial crossroads this summer.
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