Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) plans to focus on rest and recovery until July.
The German 'Kicker' reported on the 14th (Korean time), "Kim Min-jae is working on rehabilitation with his Bayern Munich teammates, but it seems likely that he will only be able to return after July."
It has been revealed that Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles injury since the match against Eintracht Frankfurt last October. Nevertheless, he played a total of 43 matches for the team.
Recovery was slow even during the winter break. Nevertheless, under the management of Vincent Kompany, Kim Min-jae returned to the starting lineup, and with Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Ito also sidelined for the season, Kim Min-jae effectively held up the defense alone. Across all competitions, including the league, cup, and Champions League, he played a total of 3,593 minutes, the highest playing time among Bayern defenders.
The key players evaluated for the team, Upamecano (1,761 minutes) and Alphonso Davies (1,561 minutes), were ruled out for the season early on. Kim Min-jae retained his position until Bayern confirmed the Bundesliga title, after which he was finally granted rest.
Bayern has no time to rest. On the 10th, they departed for the United States to participate in the Club World Cup and are currently undergoing training. Bayern is scheduled to play their first match of the tournament against Oakland City at 1 a.m. on the 16th.
However, it may be difficult to see Kim Min-jae. Kicker noted, "Center-back Kim Min-jae, who has suffered from an Achilles injury for a long time, is preparing for his return. However, his participation in the Club World Cup remains uncertain."
Moreover, "Georg Holzner, a reporter covering Bayern for the Club World Cup in Orlando, Florida, reported that 'Jonathan Tah joined the team on Friday after Tom Bischoff, and he is expected to play immediately and lead the defense. Currently, Josip Stanišić is the only center-back fully fit, while Dayot Upamecano is in the process of returning after knee surgery,'".
Reporter Holzner said, "Kim Min-jae is still struggling with his Achilles issue."
Bayern's Director General Max Eberl explained, "Kim Min-jae has been suffering quite a bit from his Achilles injury, and he has been dealing with this issue for a long time. It was rumored externally that he pushed himself too hard, but we have not reached that level. I believe we have managed the situation well, and now Kim Min-jae has said he wants to 'fully recover.' He is expected to resume training and rejoin the squad in a few days."
Kicker explained, "However, the chance of Kim Min-jae quickly returning to the field is low. According to our reporting, Kim Min-jae is expected to return to action as early as next month in July. His participation in the Club World Cup is currently very uncertain. His condition is gradually improving, but for the time being, he plans to focus on rehabilitation with the team."
Earlier on the 14th, Bayern announced the opening of the Club World Cup through their official social media, sharing a poster featuring Harry Kane, Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala, and Kim Min-jae together. Ironically, Kim Min-jae is unable to participate.
Right now, the most important thing for Kim Min-jae is to recover his health. What happens afterward remains uncertain. Eberl stated, "With Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Tah, along with Stanišić and Ito, there will be 4 to 5 center-backs. The composition of the defense is very good. Kim Min-jae has to hold his ground amid that competition."
Kicker added, "If a suitable offer arrives, Kim Min-jae could be up for sale. Several clubs have already shown interest. What Kim Min-jae decides after fully recovering remains uncertain. However, right now, 'health' is the priority above all else."
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